The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Task Force 1955 6400 4x4 conversion

Hello,

I been on and off this form for a few years, finally decided to start collecting parts, hopefully I can finally get started on this project in the next few years. I got a 1955 6400 and I was wondering what the width of the frame is compared to a 73-88 1 ton truck. I planning on getting a dana 60 front end and transfer case to put in the truck, as well of putting a V8 in it. Was wondering if the GM version of the dana 60 will fit in pretty decent? I got a dana 70 off a P30 camper already waiting for it to replace the splitter rear end. I think that would fit in well but not sure.
I don't have the the 6400 home to go out an measure, it's in storage. Another question is Should I keep the sm420 in it and add the transfer case to it or put in a sm465? I probably end up with a ls 6.0 in it but still undecided yet. I have no problem buying off set wheels for it to make up for the axles incase they are too long or short. I didn't see any threads about this unless searched wrong.

thanks
Jim

I can't say on most of your questions, but I personally would keep the sm420


just my $0.02

Big Bolt NAPCO stuff comes up on eBay from time to time. THAT would make for an easy bolt on functional conversion...

The rear axle off the P-30 should work fine, just make sure to get the same axle ratio as your front D-60.

A good idea would be to get a 465 with attached transfer case from a Blazer or GM pickup. Problem solved.

Ed

Frames should be 34" on all the big trucks, ton and over ( I think! ). I'm wanting to do the same with my 59, but since I have a M35 military 2 1/2 ton, I'm thinking just swap out the cab to the M35 frame.

Are you keeping the motor or going diesel maybe?

"Big Bolt NAPCO stuff comes up on eBay from time to time. THAT would make for an easy bolt on functional conversion..."

I'll have to keep an eye out for them in case I go that route instead.

"The rear axle off the P-30 should work fine, just make sure to get the same axle ratio as your front D-60.

A good idea would be to get a 465 with attached transfer case from a Blazer or GM pickup. Problem solved."

Thanks, that kinda what I'm leaning to do at the moment, I may re-gear to a 3.73 but depend what I can find.

Are you keeping the motor or going diesel maybe?

I thought about diesel several times, I can't make up my mind, at the moment it gonna be a turbo LS 6.0.

When I get it here, (I gotta get a garage built here in the next year or so) I'm gonna sell the motor and the front and rear axles to someone who could use them, but it gonna be couple years til I get to that point.

I kinda want to do something different with this truck, I'm not going make it a mudding truck. just make it look more like a NAPCO truck with modern brakes and 19.5 stock looking wheels, modern LS engine and enjoy driving this beast.

If perhaps going diesel someday, it might be well to get as high a diff. ratio now, otherwise, another $1,000. to switch in the future.

8 lug 19.5 wheels are available, new ones are expensive, they were available in the past, make sure used ones clear brakes.

Might want to plan on Saginaw power steering with D-60 front axle.

D-60 front axles only come in 8 lug, so, will not have same bolt pattern(10 on 7.25") unless you are lucky and find an 8 lug one, if they exist? D-70's and GM 14 bolt ff come with 8 on 6.5 bolt pattern. 14 bolt are common, reasonable price, some come with disc brakes. 3.73 is highest common ratio with D-60's.

NAPCO 4wd diffs. only come geared low, so might not be compatible with highway cruising speeds, especially if going diesel someday.

Good luck, keep watching here for ideas and input, almost all questions one might have will have been addressed here in the last year or so.

Ed

Is your 6400 first or second series?

Are you keeping the 2-ton rating or derating it to 1-ton?

Mike B

EdPruss Thanks for the info that helps a lot!!




For better ride quality most likely rerate to 1 ton

Too bad you're not close,
Got a Ford Dana 60 with 4:10s and GM parts knuckles out, And a Dana 70 HD3 dually rear axle doing nothing at my house (only good if doing a Cummins conversion).
As far as width the danas should be a little wider, but it's a big truck right? Why not widen the front fenders a little?
That being said I would opt to do the divorced transfercase

Either the 420 or 465 will work fine. 465 is a bit beefier, and will be a newer tranny. Novak adapters has parts and adapters for both to fit about any transfer you want. SM465 weighs 40lbs. more and only has a 6.55 granny as opposed to the 7.05 granny of the 420. 465 comes with a backup light switch, although you can drill and tap the 420 for one as well.

Thanks for the Info guys, that helps a lot!

gentrysgarage - That sucks, I would have been interested in that 60 if you we a bit closer