I'm helping a friend install a Pontiac 400 engine in his '50 Chevy half ton. He wants to keep the closed driveline and 4 speed. For added clearance I'm thinking to use the hanging pedals and support from a '71 Chevy pick up. So far,the measurements indicate the front and rear mount crossmembers will be close to the right distance apart,and the rear mount is adjustable to fit the angle and spacing on the crossmember there.The rear mount is actually like a block plate,but firs between the tranny and the bellhousing(BOP aluminum-I've used this bellhousing and mount in 2 other trucks,works fine) I think we'll have to re-drill the front crossmember to attach the "Y" adapter used to run this engine in its previous home,a '57 GMC. We expect to have to build headers for it.
It's obvious the steering will be the largest hurdle in this project :rolleyes: . He's not open to changing the column or its location in the cab,but I have that figured out. I'm going to cut the tube at the firewall,leaving a couple of inches of the shaft sticking out,install a roller bearing with a set screw inside race and an external lock ring to keep it from sliding into the tube farther than I want. I'll attach the tube to the firewall,but then what?? So far,a rack-n-pinion mounted to the front mount crossmember looks like the best option to me. Any other possibilities come to mind? I recall seeing an offset drive box that can be used to move the exit location of the steering shaft as it comes through the firewall,I think that might be useful.
The truck's owner seems to figure he can make it all work once we get the steering situation covered. And since he's going for the hanging pedals,I'm gonna push for the roller bearing conversion and disc brakes.
I think the axle and tranny will last for a while,but I'm going to plan for a Saginaw 4 speed and a Dana 44 3.08 posi I have to get installed in the future. (BTW-I need a left axle for it,if anyone has a spare. I'm told the axles from an open "44" won't work-different splines :confused: )
Who sells a drop front axle for these trucks?
Any info or assistance you can offer will be very much appreciated. And remember if you get out this way,the coffee's always on. Thanks!
Speed
