Unfortunately the 292 will require that you change bellhousings.
From there you'll have to decide if you want to do the work to keep the foot starter. I'm sure something can be done to adapt a foot starter to the later motor, but its not a simple bolt-on of factory parts. If I were doing it I suspect I'd add a floor mounted push-button and just use the solenoid starter from the 292.
Your original transmission is the crash-box type and you may find using the later SM420 makes for a more pleasant driver. The SM420 will support your PTO so that change doesn't loose your hoist.
Guys have solved the pedal problem in the past. The newer bellhousing does not have the brackets, but with some ingenuity and fabrication support for them can be added to the newer bell.
Edit: Suddenly I'm unsure if any of the '55 to '59 V-8 powered trucks had a stomp starter. If they did, that would be the bellhousing to use with your 292. Hopefully someone with a better memory than mine will come along and clarify that.
Last edited by OldSub; 01/24/2010 10:38 PM. Reason: Added info.
