The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 1949 1-Ton engine swap

I have finally made a decision on what direction I want to go on my engine & trans in my 1949 1-ton AD flatbed. I want to upgrade to a SBC 283 or 327 looking at both.. What kind of modifications do I need to need to make on the truck frame and body being its on the 1-ton frame? I don't know if it would be easier to go with a automatic trans or 4 or 5 manual trans behind it. I know I will most likely have to move the steering gear box to accommodate the engine so I will probably go with a power steering gear box at that time. Any advise would be great.

It'll be the same as doing the swap on a 1/2 ton. The one I was involved in, which was a '49 1 ton, we used the original 4 speed, with a home made rear mount (not suggested), and a tubular crossmember style mount for the front. The steering box had to be moved over about 2 1/2 inches to clear the manifolds. That did cause issue with a tire rub on left turns. It also had overheating issues until we put a shroud on the radiator.