stress on a 350

[83' k5]

I was wondering how well a 350 will do pushing 40" 13.50" tires. Do I need to worry about over working the engine while driving down the road.

I was possibly thinking about upgrading the cam until I get the funds to upgrade the engine. I have been told rv cams are good. What are your opinions on this.

 

[onetonbb74]

For 40 inches of tire that should not be a problem if the gearing is cool. For 40's, i would run a 5.13 or maybe a 4.88 nothing numerically lower and you should be fine.

 

[redneckdude]

its all about gearing. The only thing where 40s will really "strain/stress" a motor is the fact that they are heavier, its a lil harder to get the tires turning initially. If you have it geared right, you won't be able to ever really tell.

 

[Chaddy]

Its all about the gearing.

 

[83' k5]

how do I tell what gearing I have right now. And is it hard to change it. (remember i am new to the whole scene )

 

[Cricket]

Look for a small metal tag on your diff cover.
or
Look on the side of your ring gear for the ratio
or
Count the number of teeth on your ring gear and number of teeth on your pinion then devide. (ring gear / pinion)

Gear swaps are easy if you know what to do and have the proper tools, easy top screw up if you don't.

 

[beater_k20]

a quick way to tell... if you have 6 lug nuts, its probably not low enough.

BTW, welcome to CK5! what part of Northern IN are you from? i'm in Elkhart.

 

[83' k5]

Thanks for the welcome. I live in Cromwell. South a ligonier a few miles. I have 8 lugs nuts. It is a gm 14 bolt 3/4ton. It was already on it when I got the truck.

 

[mtn. burb]

4.56' work too.

 

[K5er4Life]

Like mentioned, its all in the gearing. I really wouldnt worry about the strain on the motor, its the tranny thats gonna be screamin at you without the right gears. There is a small chance you have 4.56's which would be fine for a 40 tire. Anything else smaller (numerically) and you should regear.