I got myself a '58 viking 2 ton last August, and got it rolling this spring. I've read many posts here about the top speed of this truck being 55, and that won't work for me: There's too much highway to go that slow. I need some way to get an overdrive for this truck, and I'm asking you all for some ideas.
I have some caveats for this, though.
1. The rear axle will not change. The GM 2 speed still works, and I need to pull my engine for a rebuild anyway. Unless someone knows of a higher geared 2 speed vacuum differential, I'll keep it as is. No point dropping the rear axle, when the engine can move to accommodate.
2. I'd rather keep the current Muncie 420 transmission. I just poured $600 into rebuilding it, and while my Apache will take it, I really do not relish the thought of a spare transmission taking up very limited space.
3. The transmission has the parking brake on it, so I'll need either a brownie box approach, or a divorced transfer case.
4. The solution should accommodate remote control. The original floor pan is in remarkable shape, and I don't want to mess it up with cutting holes through it. This is a preference, not a requirement.
I hate to railroad you like this, but I like too many of the trucks quirks to be changing them.
