Saginaw gear ratios

[KYMalibu]

I got the 3.11 first gear in fact 2 of them just for a spare , lol. But the 3.73 rear end is a little much.

That's a 11.6 overall effective ratio ! 1st will b like a granny , but 2nd on that is a 2.20 . 2.20 was 1st gear in a muncie

 

[SSpev]

As for durability of a 4spd the lower first gear/ wider split the weaker it is. Comparably Its all about the lever action - ratio. It also helps to have a lower rear gear.
3.11 isn't that bad I have one in my 65 impala.

 

[Texas82GP]

When I got my GP, it had a two groove (3.11 first) Saginaw in it with a 3.08 rear and it was ok. It was a good gearing compromise. Going from 14's to 16's helped on the highway. I'm looking forward to having overdrive.