The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Replace the motor and suspension on my 49 1-1/2 Ton

Hi, New to forum and need some help. The good part, I recently purchased a super clean 4400 (former fire tank truck) with only 6,600 miles. The bad part, it needs a motor and I'd like to replace the suspension. Motor has an internal crack between water jacket and cyl. It was parked and not used for many years due to this. I've read a few posts about using P30 suspension too but not sure of what years to look for. Also interested in the P30 4 cyl diesel swap w/ chevy bell housing to bolt to my existing 420 trans or a replacement 235-261. Will sell the parts I remove to recoup expense.
Thanks in advance.

http://s1029.photobucket.com/user/g...SCN1616%20Large_zpswtfawzus.jpg.html?o=4

When you say suspension are you thinking about springs or the axles?

What do you want to do with the truck and therefore why do you consider these changes away from more or less original components?

Don't expect to recover any cost above scrap value of the old parts, unfortunately.

Picture link didn't work for me.

The picture link worked for me but I'm not too familiar with photobucket. Just signed up for it and uploaded pics. I don't see any way to post pics directly in my post.
I want to change the axles for something I can do more than 48 MPH with for highway cruising. The truck is going to be babied and go to car shows. The rear axle should be worth something to another restorer (I did read another thread where a member wanted the rear I have) since it only has 6,600 miles on it as does the rest of the truck. Just had an original wheel brake cylinder blow on Friday coming home from a car show so I'm debating replacing all 4 cylinders or replacing the axles to a more modern axle with disc brakes, better highway gear, and 22.5 wheels/tires.

Just found and bought a good 56 Chevy 235 motor so that part is solved. I know it's good because I did the motor swap for the guy. I put in a small block 350 /700R4. Called him today to see if he wanted to sell and made the deal.
I have copied and pasted my photos again. the link says (http://s1029.photobucket.com). Is there something else I should be doing to link it here?
http://s1029.photobucket.com/

The reasons I'm considering axle replacement is I blew a wheel brake cylinder on Friday. I had pulled and inspected all the wheels and drums prior to driving it and all looked good. I should have known a wheel cyl. would go since I had already replaced the master cylinder and fuel pump because the internal rubber parts had dried out over the years.If I replace all wheel cylinders I'll still have working but poor inadequate brakes by today's standards.
Benefits of axle replacement are:
Better stopping power brakes (discs all around), ability to have a lower numeric gear ratio for better highway speed, ability to use newer style wheels w/ S.S. simulators and radial tires.

Now that I have a replacement 235 motor I'll be removing the original, clean and paint the engine compartment, clean and paint the replacement motor and install.

You should read Griggs thread https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=725027

Also, I have made a disc brake conversion. I was hoping to manufacture kits to ship, but I haven't had the interest that I thought I would. I am however willing to make 1 kit at a time.... https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=708681

RDomeck,
I am interested in your disc brake conversion kit for front and rear. Will it work with the dual port power disc brake m/cylinder & booster kit that is currently sold as a bolt on unit?
Please send me a PM with info about what's included in your conversion kit. I have read Griggs post and yours. I just joined the forum yesterday and haven't read every post on putting disc brakes on a 1 1/2T or larger truck.
Thanks,
George

George, The current master and booster kit sold for the 1/2-1 ton truck does not have a large enough bore to handle the bigger brakes.

I wouldn't worry about rear disc. I have had plenty of weight on mine and have had no issue's with stopping.

I would put some serious thought to Grigg's first post. Figure out what you want the truck to do, then build it accordingly. Many people start in on a new project only to go in the wrong direction and end up spending a lot of time and money that they don't need to!

I have 3 big bolts. 1940 GMC , 1942 COE and 1946. All I bought because I like them. One will remain mostly stock except the disc brakes. One will have a modern stuff underneath. Not sure about the other one yet.

Sounds like you have it running well. It wouldn't take much to rebuild wheel cylinders and get everything operating as it should. Finish driving it for the season and figure out the brakes this winter. The disc brake stuff that I make will bolt on to the axle, but the master will take some fabricating. I made the kits based on my 46 and the pedal arrangement is different than your 49... I guess I need to find a later big bolt to buy!

Remember, if one changes to a modern front axle, the tires will stick out of the fenders, unless you happen to be lucky enough to find a set of (rare) full width front fenders. Read Grigg's threads about modern spindles on original axle.

Remember to replace ALL of the steel and rubber brake lines while your working on the system. The lines will fail from the inside out.

Also make sure the parking brake is in working order.

Be safe!

Mike B

Pulled the original 235 on Monday. Degreased and pressure washed the engine compartment. Degreased and pressure washed the 1956 235 that's going in.
Today I primed and painted the engine compartment, motor and bell housing. Started putting some parts on motor. Ordered the adapter plate to use my water pump on the 56 motor.

s1029.photobucket.com/user/george198/media/1949 Chevy 4400/DSCN1647 Large

Sorry, not having much luck using copy and paste to photobucket link.

http://s1029.photobucket.com/user/george198/profile/

Going to try to post a link others can see.

http://s1029.photobucket.com/