[Alex V.]

Take-off manners and acceleration won't be what they would with higher gears, but the 2,000 @ 70 is about how that engine would have been set up in a modern 1/2 ton Silverado. Just off the top of my head, 3.73's without an OD will put highway RPM's higher than necessary - 3.07 or 3.42's may be more to your liking. Either way, that's a really fast first to retain good manners over a broad speed range without an overdrive.