My truck is down to the frame. I am putting it back together for a daily driver. Because price is an issue I have to use what I have. The '52 1/2 ton will rest on new "stock height" springs and will not be lowered. I will be using "less expensive" paint. The truck will be used mostly for a driver and fishing rig and rarely if ever used to haul heavy loads but perhaps a small trailer now and then. I live at 4500' in elevation and we have some mountain passes to go over here but most roads are fairly flat.
I have the following: a just acquired Nova rearend; not sure of the gears yet but probably a 2:73 ratio, rebulit TH350 transmission, 283 V8 with two sets of heads that needs to be rebuilt: a set of Power Pak heads and a set of double hump heads 194's, Which set of heads should I use?
I would like to build a reliable daily driver. The 283 does not have a manifold or carb. What do you guys recommend for a manifold and carb to deliver fuel economy? This truck will not be a hot rod.
I will also be running radials and like the skinny look instead of the wide tire look. Any suggestions on tire size knowing the gearing that I will be using? I am thinking of running 15 inch rims since tires are cheaper and I can find 5 by 4 3/4 bolt pattern rims at the local yard.
And to throw a monkey wrench in the thoughts, I also have a 235 that needs to be completely rebuilt and a open driveline four speed transmission to go with it. The 235 needs a intake and exhaust manifolds and carb as well. I also have a torque tube four speed and torque tube as well but I need to be able to drive 60 mph so I was not going to use the torque tube since the aftermarket gears are so expensive.
Thought?, Suggestions?
Thanks for any and all imput, Wayne
