...I am building a daily driver first off..... and I would like the truck to be as safe at highway speeds as possible. I still would like to be able to be used as a truck where I will not be scared to go down a fire road if needed...
Much of this will probably be cost and driveability. I still haven't decided fully on an engine as I would LOVE to go with a cost effective diesel, but haven't found one that makes sense from a cost standpoint when I compare it with a 350 that I can rebuild into a gas miser....
...I just want an all around truck....
Your ideas for how you want to use your 1 ton sound very similar to mine, review what I have planned and think Cummins 4BT:
My 1 ton is has been out of service for a few years now, the axles are under my 48 2 ton project.
When I get back to the 1 ton I plan to have disc front and rear. Still looking for an 8 lug disc brake I-beam single wheel axle probably from a step van, assuming there actually is such a thing.
Rear will probably be a 14 bot from a cab and chassis with a disc conversion kit and single wheels. This is about the right width and has cheap and faster gear choices.
Wheels will be 19.5" with 8R19.5 tires.
Engine may be a 4BT Cummins, or a 3-53T Detroit, whatever engine It'll be a diesel for sure.
Likely a 5 speed overdrive, NV4500 or a Spicer 3053 with 0.79 OD.
Should make a good local everyday truck, won't be set up for long trips or heavy hauling, but should do OK for a 1 ton and normal use.
Don't think you have to worry about corners with the 1 ton. When mine was on the road I could take familiar corners faster that I would have guessed, never had the inside wheels come off the ground and rarely slid sideways unless there was loose gravel... the stiff one ton suspension handles well, and like a truck.
Lots of info on diesel engine swaps of all types, particularly the 4 cylinder Cummins at
www.4btswaps.comGrigg
