I was about to make the same observation, but Kurt beat me to it.
For the Following:
Differential Gear = 3.08 to 1
Transmission Gear = 1.00 to 1
Tire Diameter (Inches) = 26.00
Vechicle MPH = 70
The computed engine rpm would be: 2787
By comparison, if you changed to a 2.56:1 rear end, everything else remains the same, computed rngine rpm would be: 2317
One other possibility is that you really don't have 3.08 gears. Axle stamp may indicate 3.08 gears originally, but they could well have been changed. May need to take of the cover and look at the OD of the ring gear which should be stamped with the ratio or count the ring and pinion teeth and calculate the ratio.