We see this question raised periodically about "how fast can my stock stovebolt go" , and I think the question of speed is best answered from a safety and original engineering/design perspective.
Will a stock stovebolt go over 50mph? Yes. Should it? Given the straight axle front end, 4:11 rear end, primitive steering, drum brakes, and other design & aerodynamic aspects, my thought is no. I have no doubt that our trucks could run at 70 mph 3,500+ rpms, but they were not designed for that.
Compare to my 1998 F-150. It runs 75mph at about 2,800 rpms very comfortably. Why? Because the design parameters allow for that. The brakes, steering, and suspension were designed for it. If 50 years from now, someone asks "Will my F-150 run 110mph?", what would your answer be? It would probably be "It's not designed to do that and while it technically would do it, it poses a safety hazard doing so."
If your intent is to -safely- run 70+ mph, then I think it is your responsibility (for the sake of others on the road) to spend a significant amount of money on necessary steering, suspension, and braking upgrades that will safely support your need for speed.
I run my 53 with a 261 at no more than 40-50, and know that I can stop or make a sudden steering change if need be, and enjoy the cruise
