Welcome to our site, Sara! Always great to have another big little truck join us -- especially one with family history! My '49 3804 has its original bed wood, too, so ... cool for you on that! With a little patience, I think you will find your 4.10 rear axle 3rd member swap. Many of us have and it was pretty painless (unless you drop it on your foot ... funny how I should know that ...). Check in the 1-ton forum and search for the swap thread -- The guy your are looking for is Mrf1002u but I see he hasn't been on our site since July ... Anyway, those axle 3rd members are out there and you will find one. It is a ridiculously easy upgrade (WAY easier than the ring and pinion gear upgrade hassle the half ton guys have to go through ...
) and it will make your truck modern road compatible. Just be sure your steering and brakes are good, too. And you might consider a seat belt install -- I did the Juliano's kit and it was pretty easy. I'm a grandpa myself so I am pretty sure your grandpa will thank you for keeping yourself safe in his truck
Thanks for checking in and introducing yourself -- we're glad to have you join in. If any of these hooligans and senior delinquents give you any static, just let me know ... I will be glad to square them away
Regards,
John
