JoeR, your plans sound very interesting. What is the year and model? There are many times that I wish I would have done what you are planning regarding an older mixed up truck. The 327 really got my attention (my all time favorite), Crager chromes, oh my gosh had several sets on various rods. You need to contact some of the bolters about your other questions but. it would definitely be advantageous to put a 5 lug on the back. 4 Cragers are max. Good luck and go for it. I'm the odd man out of the group because I have always had great luck with 9 bolt Ford rear ends. As for the tranny mine is out of a 1940 3/4 ton Chevy truck, great trans. for the farm or an all stock restoration the number on mine is K96 L. There are many links on Stovebolt to match up what you have. Good luck and have fun. I have probably saved ten of thousands of dollars on shrinks by just working on my old cars and trucks. Hey I may be crazy but I sure get along fine with everyone on this site. Doc
Hi Doc,
I know what you mean regarding the therapeutic nature of what we do, lol. Plus we keep those great trucks on the road! I restore old wood working equipment too, so I've got a double dose of sanity. I think.
Regarding the transmission, as Trad said, it looks like an original GM 4 speed, but shouldn't it have a closed drive line? Is it possible to remove the torque tube without changing everything else?
The rear has 5 lug, it's the front that has the original wheels with 6 lugs. But I'm seriously considering one of those Mustang II front ends, which will give me the 5 lugs. As far as the rear goes I guess I'll have to wait until I take everything apart to see exactly what rear end is there. I had a '64 1/2 Mustang convertible that I put a set of Cragers on, looked perfect.
I'm looking forward to pulling it into the garage, pulling all the sheet metal off and seeing which way I"ll go.
Joe
