Labor Day Putting down your wrenches or time for MORE wrenching? 
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| | | Forums66 Topics128,004 Posts1,055,250 Members48,418 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Apr 2014 Posts: 35 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Apr 2014 Posts: 35 | Please don't turn away, I know you fellas could care less if you ever heard of, saw, or talked about another small block 350 swap, but this is a low budget operation. I think I'm putting a 350 in my 1948 GMC 1 1/2 ton. I heard that there might be clearance problems with the steering box/shaft. Is this true? Also, will there be any other issues? Thanks in advance. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 388 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2013 Posts: 388 | I have also hear that there are clearance issues with the steering box... but this would be a great thread for the HiPo shop! They would know much more than a general truck thread! | | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 1,248 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 1,248 | Small block in an AD......:-( About the only other thing might be the oil pan clearance?? maybe firewall?? This is almost as bad as mentioning the F@#D word.....LOL
John | | | | | Joined: Aug 2014 Posts: 213 I have more zippers then a pair of cargo pants | | I have more zippers then a pair of cargo pants Joined: Aug 2014 Posts: 213 | A lot of folks just move the steering box over about 3/4rds to an inch...joe
~ Joe Donate Blood, Plasma, Platelets and Sign Your DONORS CARD. The Life You SAVE Might Be Someone You Know and LOVE. Two possibilities exist: Either we are alone in the Universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying. ~ Arthur C. Clarke | | | | | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 1,159 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 1,159 | Small blocks are shorter than the I-6's. There should be room,(maybe not plenty),for distributor,and bell housing. Several recent threads have stated the need for a fan "extension",and radiator shroud,since the V-8-s "sit" farther back from the radiator. Depending on the manifolds used,exhaust clearance may or may not be an issue.Engine mounts,and transmission/bell-housing adapters,are available from several "Speed Shop" vendors. You may want to find an over-drive transmission,or a later model 2-speed rear,because your top speed is still going to be 45-50. And that V8 will be over-revving,which isn't good,on longevity,or fuel mileage. Hope this helps!
Last edited by wetwilly5757; 09/05/2014 10:09 AM.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2014 Posts: 35 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Apr 2014 Posts: 35 | Thanks for all the help guys. Wetwilly, the rear axle is a 2-speed which I think is original (has lever on floor),and I know that the originals were still geared very low. As far as transmissions go it has a 5 speed which is not original to my knowledge because it doesn't have original shift pattern. I cant find a name plate on the tranny. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 1,159 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 1,159 | 48 bigbolt,you MAY be in luck,as far as the 5-speed goes. There are several recent threads on the "Big Bolt" page(s),about the Clark 5-speeds,and the way to tell if they're 5th. direct,or over-drive. Another thread covers the New process transmissions. A friend of mine has a '50 G.M.C. 450 tandem,and it only has a power divider,not 2-speed axles. It has a 4-speed transmission,as well. Makes me wonder if your 5-speed is original,or after-market? Not that knowledgeable about the A.D. Chevy's,or G.M.C.'s., just wondering. I HOPE yours is an O.D. transmission. | | |
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