The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun powertrain swap?

I am looking at replacing the entire powertrain on my 49 1-ton flatbed, I have not decided on an engine yet but I would say something in a 283-327 or 350. I have the opportunity to purchase a 4-speed manual transmission, drive line and rear axle for about 400 bucks. It is out of a 1990 chevy 2500, cab and chassis service truck. the axle is an 8 lug, 14 bolt. 3.42 gear, open diff.

My question is has anyone here done such a swap and what kind on conversion(s) or modifications will I need to make to get this to mount up to my chassis.

(I also posted this in the driveline section)

thanks
Bryan

The engine swap is not quite simple but many have done it.
I think a later 235 or 261 would be a better swap, more original appearing, plenty of power, less work.

The 14 bolt rear if from a dual wheel cab and chassis truck, not a dual wheel pickup truck, should be about perfect width to swap, measure and see. Likely need to move spring pads on the axle though.

Grigg

Thank You Grigg, I would like to try to balance original appearance, performance and availability. I just don't think I would be satisfied with the 216 that's in it now.

The prospective transmission and rear end are from a non dual C&C truck. So I guess that would probably be too wide. I will see if I can get the seller to measure for me before make that trip.

Hi I agree with Grigg about staying with a 6 .I have a 235 in my 52 1 ton panel - I went from the 5.14 rear end to a 1 ton Chevy 3.73 rear axle and the 235 pulls it just fine and that's with a junk 4 speed non synchro trans that is stock in it .There is a LOT of nice High performance and engine dress up stuff for the sixes .I have a 1948 2 ton flatbed truck with a 216 6cyl in it ,I drove it from Atlanta to Dolan Springs AZ and back last year 4930 miles total .It only does 45 mph that's 3500 rpm's max .I've installed later Chevy 6 HEI ignition and 80's Dodge 225 slant 6 1 barrel carb. converted to 12v,KIA bucket seats ,dual circuit master cylinder with modern vacuum booster and one of the best mods was installing the 3/4" thick horse stall matt from tractor supply, combined with some insulation for the floors .Even at 106 degrees I had no heat coming through the floors .It goes ,stops great,It's my daily driver .
My long term plan for my truck is starting a small transport company ,I will go to a Chevy 250 six ,long tube headers,5 speed NV4500 Chevy diesel trans,and a higher geared rear axle ,also I have a 48" Peter Built sleeper (will require 52" frame stretch)I'll be happy with 60 mph .
And if you go to a V8, a 283 with a fuel mileage camshaft ,TBI fuel injection conversion(early 80's GM fuel injection )A set of Dorman Products Corvette 2-1/2" Ramshorn cast iron exhaust manifolds ,a good 5 speed trans and better geared rear axle ,I've heard talk of high teen's to the lower 20's for mpg
PM me if you have any questions I'll send you my tel if you want to talk .
Good Luck Paul
Some 6 stiff
http://www.inliners.org/
http://www.langdonsstovebolt.com/
https://www.cliffordperformance.net/
http://www.hamiltonfuelinjection.com/

Don't forget, one must, at sometime here, the heat capacity on the system must be addressed. A 292 Chevy will help out a lot.

1990, 2500, 3.42, 14 bolt... I'm guessing this is the semi-float 14 bolt. FYI- It's a little wide for a truck with an AD truck with a bed.

Yep, I passed on the 2500 rearend. The search continues. I didn't realize how narrow the rearend on the AD was.
I Spent the day at an old salvage yard crawling all over a dozen late 60's early 70's chevys looking for a HO52 third member but they had already been scavenged. On the bright side I did find about 10 1948-54 trucks and scored a nice Harris Heater and some chrome trim parts I was needing.

The HO72 and HO52 center section with 4.10 gears is about as rare as a Hen's teeth.

If you're planning on keeping it 8 lug. A 63" full floating 14 bolt is one way to go.

You can use the Eaton hubs on a 67" 14 bolt to narrow it up also.

I am learning that quickly, I have also been looking for the 63" dually rear-end from a old box / service truck. Also far and few between.

My 1941 1 Ton has a SB350,700R4 Trans, Open drive shaft, 3.73 rearend and 17" wheels. 70mph at 2,000 rpm. New radiator with electric fan.

10,000 miles with no problems.