We've made two longish trips in our '51 3600. Both to Luckenbach TX. A 600 mile one way drive for us. Total miles each trip was in the 1400 mile range. On the 1st trip in '17 we were running the factory 4.57 gears with a T5 transmission. This combo made 60 to 65 mph speeds common on flat ground. Any hill or headwind and the old 85 hp, 216 required a downshift to 4th with speeds in the 50ish mph range. The only issue that trip was we missed a turn while looking for our hotel after dark and I realized just how dim our stock 6 volt headlights were. A couple relays fixed that issue when we made it back home.
On the second trip in 2018 I'd changed the rear gears from the stock 4.57 ratio to a set of 4.10s. We couldn't run any faster since the engine was still the stock 85 hp 216, but the slower engine speed did quiet things down a bit. That trip I noticed a front brake dragging and did a roadside adjustment, all good after that.
Prep work for the above trips was just making sure the truck was in normal daily driver shape. We did carry a pretty heavy travel tool box (50 lbs or so) along with a spare and a 5 gallon can of gas, gallon of 15w40 diesel rated oil, gallon of 50/50 mix coolant, and a qt of brake fluid. There's always an extra set of points and condenser in the glove box.
Images of the road show in Texas Hill Country below. My Brides luggage along with tools and other necessities are in the black box. My old bed liner coated Samsonite suitcase was tied in with a piece of poly hay string, worked fine. We're old hands at traveling light, that helps.
That's about it.
Good Luck on your adventures! Just do it!
Added in edit; Just reread Spotbiltxo's comments about the firm stock seat. Mine are likely firmer than stock. Based on a few online diy videos I put 1/2" mesh wire on the springs and tied the springs to it in order to unitize things, preventing sag. On top of that is a layer of short nap carpet. Huge mistake on my part when I redid them. Should have used foam. The seat looks good and sits fine for the 1st hour. Then it's NO fun. We've resorted to carrying two 1" thick, dense foam cushions and shamelessly sit on them when on the road. I highly recommend this little addition if you're traveling with stock seats.
