The ChevyBaker was sold with a Dana 41 with a 4.55:1 gear ratio. (51/11 gearing)
This was great when combined with the original flat 6 and standard transmission with over drive. The ChevyBaker now has a SB 327 and Turbo 350 automatic without over drive. FYI: 65mph means 3779rpm.
The original idea was to replace the rear axle with a Ford 8.8 that was purchased on ebay. In conversation with Jim (great guy) at Cal Speed & Performance it will makes more sense to replace the Turbo 350 transmission. A 200R4 is roughly the same size but unlike the TH350 has an overdrive gear. This gear is at 0.67:1 which will lower the 65MPH RPM to 2532 and should be a much better engine RPM for highway driving. This will also allow for the ring/pinion gears or a replacement rear end, to be installed at a later date.
Here is the RPMs at different Trans/Diff/Tire combinations
Update 4/11/24:
Picking up rebuild 200R4 transmission with torque converter today.
Confirmed delivery of the ChevyBaker and 200R4 on 4/22/24.
Update 1/19/24:
Delivered the ChevyBaker to the shop because Friday COB is the same as Monday morning. That and I had help getting back to the house and Monday would be a hassle. I did however drop off the new Transmission bright and early on my way to the office. Damn those headlights still look awesome with their driving rings (Headlight and Bezel Project )
Update: 4/22/24:
Delivered transmission with associated part.
Here's hoping the drive shaft does not need modified.
Update: 4/29/24
The shop test drove the ChevyBaker but the transmission did not go into 4th gear. The transmission shop will send someone over to see if the Throttle Valve or Shifter cable needs adjusting. The upside of buying local is that the service is built into the purchase.
Update 5/1/24:
Received a call stating that the transmission will not shift into 4th. Was asked to pick it up and take it to the transmission shop that built it.
Spoke to the transmission shop and due to scheduling will take car in later in the month.