52Carl, you are absolutely right, there is always give and take with these builds. I had a '54 Chevy 3/4 ton some years back that I drove the heck out of. With a speed of 55 mph that engine was spinning way faster than was comfortable. The Granny Gear low on that truck was great for pulling stumps, as you said, but was pretty useless for my daily driver. The hope is that this transmission compromise will allow me the opportunity to use the truck as more of a highway cruiser as opposed to a tractor.If it doesn't work as I hope, I will have to make changes. My fingers are crossed!
Also Coilover suggested that a World Class T5 was the way to go. That is what I installed in the truck. I have the early tail shaft housing on the WC trans to get the shifter in the right location, and can set up the mechanical Speedo down the road.
More questions than answers, but it is still exciting to be getting close to having a runner!
I have attempted to add a photo of my panel. If you can access it, we have a '53 with a '54 front clip on it. It's ugly as sin, but a solid truck.
