Consider that if you change gear ratios, you have to do both the front and rear, extra cost.

 

Every once in a while I post this, no one listens. With 4.11 you can start a load in first gear easier than 3.54. If you can start a load in first with 3.54 the truck will pull just as well at high speed but you will have to shift more. All that counts is the final gear ratio at the rear wheels. A 3.54 in forth gears is about 2200 at 60. The engine does not care how it gets there, just so the final ratio is ok. Older members on here know that I pulled 30k gross loads for a few years with 3.54. I had enough in the engine to start off in first, first with the 4500 and later with the 5600. I personally would not go near a 4.11 with its loss in mileage.

So long as you keep your revs up, the 3.54 will pull just as good as a 4.11 but you have to shift on every hill. Of course in shifting you lose some momentium. My 12 valve is missing 5th gear, can't find my "round tu it" to put the trans in that I have, but I get over 18 stayin below 60 and around town. At 60 thats about 2200. This is long term mileage too. I put ten gallons in every week or so, set the trip meter at 0, run 180 miles and do it again. Each time the fuel level goes up a little. When I have it that is 8 gallons of fuel and two gallons of waste oil.

 

My truck is the exact same way. I checked mine with GPS and my speedo seem to right, but my rpms read high. I thought I was alone on this one. Now if I could figure out whats goin on.

 

My 97 has 3.55's and was slow stock as well. I'd consider it mildly bombed now, and it will fly around anyone at any reasonable highway speed. I completed the tranny mods on a Saturday and then did the plate, GSK and AFC two days later.

Took it to the family member I bought the truck from for a test drive, and he couldn't believe it was the same truck. He's right, its not