Most of those the old cars stock had 3.23s or lower and they wernt pigs to drive around town,and on the freeway you would of liked another gear.I completely get what your saying,but i think we are all looking into this to deep.I think either way you go with gears there are pros and cons.Im just thinking the dodge rams are around 5,000 pounds and are fine driving around with A518s and 3.55s with little 318s with little torque and they drive great in and out of town.Towing with a half ton ram with 4,000 pound load isnt even that bad.My other point was the converter will make up for the lack of steeper gears.As long as the converter isnt loose as a goose it wont hurt you with mileage.