Bob, When you say " obvious steps " does that include changing the positive and negative battery cables to size 2/0 cable ?
Go to a heavy truck parts dealer. Most of them can cut cable to length and crimp the proper terminals on that size cable ..
Add to that a new grounding cable from the frame to the engine block and I think your cranking woes will be history..
I have installed those cables on my Hydramatic as well as on a 6 volt GMC owned by another Stovebolter. The starters on both trucks spin like crazy now..
