Did you win the auction on the 1-1/2 ton? Which model is it? 4100, 4400?
I own a '51 4400. Mine has a later 235 under the hood. I'd tell you how it drives but the truth is it was towed here and I've never started it.
Your objectives can be accomplished with this truck but you'll be making a lot of changes to make it keep up at highway speeds on a long trip.