Thanks for all of the replies. I am definitely going to upgrade the brakes. I should have the Nova rearend this weekend and will check the gearing on it. The problem I have is that locally a suitable width rearend at a reasonable price has been impossible to find. I am swapping a piano tuning for the Nova rearend. I know tire size can help compensate for the gearing. I have gone back and forth between the 235 versus the 283 and four speed versus automatic. Part of what has influenced the V8/auto is my 1989 Chevy 3/4 ton 4X4 that has 330000 miles on it with original 700R4 trans and original 350 V8 with 3:08 rearend. This truck still runs great and has been the best pickup I have ever owned. I was thinking of setting up the '52 with a similar arangement. I have not experienced a 235 but I hear they are a good motor as well. Thanks for all of the replies and have fun with your trucks. God bless, Wayne
