I'm bidding on a 1951 1.5 ton on EBay (hoping to change my signature block) Before that I was trying for a 1950 2 Ton. I started doing my research after deciding what I wanted to get, naturally.
I know a lot about cars, but not so much about trucks. So here goes:
1. The truck I'm bidding on is advertised as having a 3-speed in it. Naturally, I would like to put a 5-speed in it with fifth being an overdrive. Conveniently, the transmission to engine mounting is supposed to be common to the Chevy Small Block. I was on the trail of a suitable transmission but it turned out the be an International Harvester product. Not sure how easy it would be to find an adapter. Any suggestions?
2. The 2 ton that I didn't win had an Eaton 2-Speed rear axle (one of the main reasons why I wanted it) After reading posts here for a while I understand that there was also an electric two speed. I drove a C-65 Chevy with a vacuum operated 2-speed rear axle for a while and loved it. I drove an electrically operated 2-speed very briefly and hated it. Needless to say, I would like to have a vacuum operated 2-speed in whatever I end up with. How rare are those Eatons? Is there a modern replacement that doesn't require much modification?
3. I'm assuming that using a later model rear end would allow later model brakes. If I end up using an early rear axle, though, how hard would it be to put late model brakes on it? I got the impression, from I know not where, that if I changed the brake backing plates I could put whatever brakes on it I wanted to as long as the axle length didn't push the brake drum out past the brake shoes. Any thoughts?
I guess this is enough for now. Tnx in advance.
