Hello All, I have spent the last several months reading and lurking after I purchsed our '38 GMC 1/2 ton project on just what to do with it now that I own it. I'm sorry for the long post.
Right now, original drivetrain is there, the 223 Pontiac, 4 speed and the torque tube. I want disc brakes and to be able to go highway speeds should the need arise. Instead of spending any money on making the engine a runner after sitting for 60 plus years, I thought of going with something that has more power to make it more practical to use for a quick trip to the harware store or haul something every now and then. I'm thinking of a 270 and would like to have a 302 but not in the budget also ran across a really nice 228 ready to go which is as good as new. I have also located a 270 from a '48 big truck, with 4 speed and a PTO from a local farmer who wants $350 for it all and he says she runs fine when he took it out of a grain truck 5 years ago... Anyway back on topic.
I have located a s10 tranny with mechanical speedometer and the slightly better world class T5 from a 305 for cheap that I thought of meshing together but recently learned of the dodge 4500 swap which sounds like the top of the line of swaps?
My question is in level of difficulty is there much difference in effort and/or cost using the nv4550 versus the T5 other than the cost of the transmission ? Then I'm still in the market for a rear that will go under it. I want disc brakes but not sure if I can mount a modern master on the frame for that early of a truck I've seen them for the AD trucks? Then do I stay 6 lug or go 5 ? I'm in the planning stages now and want to do it right the first time. Thanks for reading that long winded post and look forward to your opinions and thoughts.
