Dear grigg,
Thank you for the help on the rear axle gearing. I am %95 sure it has a 3.55 rear axle ratio, but I dont know the transcase or transmission ratios. It wont let me search it without all three ratios. How can I determine these ratios?
To answer the other portion of your reply, I agree about the front clip/donor frame idea. I want to keep the original frame. I would rather fabricate the motor/tranny mounts, than takde a donor frame, fabricate mounts for the hood, fenders, cab, bed, etc. To answer your next question, I was talking back and forth ideas with a friend on this topic, and I was told that the front fenders and hood on the '50's Chevy 1 ton are closer to the sides of the tires, giving the engine compartment more room without modification to the frame or the mounts of the fenders, hood, or firewall. They used this to put a Chevy 454 big block out of a 1990's chevy pickup (which is only a little smaller than that cummins) onto a 1950's chevy 1 1/2 ton truck with just a little room to spare. Has anyone tried this before?. It will still be a tight fit, but that is part of modifying cars and trucks. It won't always be easy, (or cheap!).
Now it is my turn to ask a question. I read the tech tip, and from what I understand, the wheels from the '56 and later rims are interchangable with the '55. Did I read that right?
