hi Joshua,
My 2 cents on your truck intentions..... a simple 305 engine swap really won't give you the economy and power what you've described. Driveability/safety also
need to be addressed if it's a daily driver. Some re-engineering will be necessary to make this truck all of the above. Maybe more than you wish to handle, but here goes!
1.) I would improve the stock front end with power steering and discs.
(hot rod Mustang two stuff just isn't stout enough for your intents.)
After market (CPP) tie rod and ends, plus the 1 1/8 stabilizer bar.)
2.) Consider an iron block LS series motor and trans. from a later model
Chevy/GMC/truck-SUV etc. and attendant wiring harness? It could easily give you the power and good economy (for a truck!). Get it With all accessories attached from a reputable recycler.
Replace the rear end (incl. modern brakes) with a ratio that approximates what LS was hooked up to & I think you'd have a reliable truck with modern amenities, power to load up the bike &run the air, and reasonable fuel economy.
Making it all fit will be the challenge, but that's part of the fun!
FYI, I just put a 455 Buick w/Turbo400 trans in my 51 Panel truck.... a Physically huge motor, but has the torque I was looking for to tow a car trailer. I wasn't looking for fuel economy, since my drives will mostly be short. I made all the front and rear end mods as described above. Made it all fit & Kept it a Truck!
Have fun!
mike
