Hi Greg, welcome. Glad you finally acquired the truck, just hang on to it and get her on the road. I also have a half ton, ('53) 4 speed truck. It was an option on the half tons and standard on the bigger trucks. You won't be needing the first gear except it's handy for loading onto a trailer.
I also got the Patrick's set-up, had the local machine shop guy install it and I am very happy with it.
Sounds like you have a good plan, hopefully it will work out for you.
Leo
Hi Leo, thanks for the welcome. To get the truck on the road I need to clean the fuel system since the gas turned to sludge and it need new tires. Atleast then I can drive it. Is your 53 running the 216ci? With the Patrick's gears what kind of highway speed are you able to achieve at resonable revs? I'm hoping to beable to break 55mph for longer drives on the back roads.
Thanks
Greg
