You are going to need to do something about your diff. ratio. The gears in your existing two speed will be slow and slower. You could get a modern close ratio trans.(required with a DD) get an updated disc brake rear axle, 10 on 7.25” bolt pattern would work, get a GMC two ton front axle to fit under your front end, find spindle and hubs, power steering and hydro boost from a GMC P-3500HD with 10 on 7.25” bolt pattern. That will keep you busy this summer, by then you will have your serviceable truck that looks original, but has modern, reliable innards with your 3-53.
Ed
with all due respect, i would rather not go that route. i'd like to convert to a 10x11.25 (big rig) pattern, and air brakes at the same time. i don't necessarily want it looking stock, as much as i want it to have the capability to pull a lot. i have begun questioning whether the 3-53 is the best motor to go with, as it seems a bit underpowered for my goals. the only reason i considered it in the first place was because i could get one cheap. but i think now a v6 detroit or something similar may be better. i don't know what model exactly, but something like an eaton 5 speed would be a good tranny, backed up by a 4 spd auxiliary spicer. that or the existing sm420 with the same aux box, just because of, again, what i can get my grubby little hands on easily. that rear axle is something i'd like to keep, just because of how interesting it is, as well as it having low enough gears to pull a mountain off of its base. i want to be able to get going HEAVY.
