The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 1938 quandary

I've had some good feed back re replacement rear ends. If I swap out the rear end I am assuming I will also have to switch the trans and drive line. Is the prevailing wisdom to use the ones associated with the rear end you choose and make it fit?

After a trans, drive line, and a rear end I'm guessing I'm in this at least $2k. Thus, I am also considering a rolling frame from superior glassworks since they are near me. That is about $10k, but would make a really nice driver. I'm struggling because my truck is in good condition and all original, which I really like. But i really want it to be daily driver in the pdx metro area. Once I replace the rear end, etc. haven't I already started down the slippery slope? Thoughts?

Thanks.


Edited by Oregon Tarheel (15/08/13 12:54 AM)

You own an old truck, you are already on the slippery slope! There are things you can do to make it a reliable daily driver and still keep the original outward look of your truck. Transmission rear end swap, disc brakes, electrical upgrades and lots of cosmetic things. It's only money and regardless of what you hear you can't take it with you. Good luck and have fun doing it.

Don't forget the brakes. Once the axle is swapped, the front and rear bolt pattern will be different along with the brake size front to back. Disk brakes up front is easy enough to do, just more money and time. At least they do bolt on without any modifications. While you adding front brakes, might as well go with new kingpins and steering joints. Modern sealed tie-rods will also bolt in. Then start looking for a '41-'46 steering box for a slower ratio and modern roller balls inside for easier steering.

You could always just swap out the ring and pinion to the 3.55 sets being sold and then drive it as it is without the high rpm.

I would suggest getting it in good driving order and put some miles on it to get a feel for how it rides. These are not the best riding trucks due to the short wheelbase and heavy springs. Mine has leafs removed from each stack and teflon liners between each leaf which helped a bunch, but it's still a truck and still rides fairly rough. They are also very tight in the cab with two people, where you live you may not need A/C, but here in the Midwest, it's hot and a/c is almost a must. Thats next on my list of things to do, after 15 years of not driving in the summer heat, I am ready.

So to answer your question, YES it's a very slippery slope,

Joe

You can slide down the slope as far as your wallet will take you.
The list of upgrades is endless.
Figure how much you are comfortable spending then work to stay in that budget.
If you are capable to do the work yourself, you can do more for the same money.

Its is your decision, but as you state it is in good condition and complete...do you want to be the person that adulterates the truck forever? Once a vehicle is heavily "upgraded", it loses the character of an old truck. It also loses value.

Why not get a good MPG car for an everyday commuter and enjoy the slow, stiff, hard to steer original relic on the weekends?

Here is the slope you probably don't want to go down, http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/1938-chevrolet-pepsi-truck.662041/
It's very cool, but very expensive!

Joe

Thanks to everyone for the thoughts. I think I will drive it for a bit as suggested. I've already went WAY down the slope on a 46 3/4 ton that I still have. I wanted to make that my trailer queen, but maybe that will be the driver. Or the k-5 or the 54 olds. Maybe I really need therapy referrals!