I want to put a dodge Cummins & newer running gear in an AD Chevy. I want it to pull a stock trailer with a 15 to 20k load. should I get a 49 Chevy one ton to start with or go with a 1 1/2 to 2 ton truck? I want to show the boys at the sale barn with the $50K pickups what class is !!!!
I just finished a 1946 chevy pickup street rod now on a 1950 chevy 3100 . also a GMC 220 with duals and a 1948 chevy 2 ton
Much easier than stuffing a Cummins into an Art Deco nose like mine but still a very tight fit. Don't know about the AD's but as I recall, the war year trucks pretty much all had the same dimensions as far as the frames. I'm guessing you are looking at a 6BT, mine is a 4BT with the only difference being two more cylinders, so same width, just longer. I had to set my 4BT back almost two feet to get it into the frame because it gets narrower towards the front.
The Cummins swap is tricky, but I believe worth the effort as you can pull a house and still get surprisingly good mpg.
If you are keen on an AD truck, a 4BT will be a decent job as stated above. 6BT will definitely be a challenge. GMC trucks have slightly more room in the engine compartment since the engine is 3" longer, but fitting a suitable radiator and I'cooler will be a challenge.
Late model running gear with disc brakes should be used. Best use one ton running gear. Might want power steering(doable but a challenge) and brakes(doable.). If open to other options, larger than one ton GM trucks, 520, etc., for AD style, and T-18 for late '30's body style all have plenty of room for a 6BT, although with a slight weight penalty.
I have a '37 T-18 that has room for a 6BT, I'cooler, hydroboost brakes, power steering, full width modern front and rear axles.
Ed
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires. '47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle. '54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed. '55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
When you get ready to do this you might as well plan on changing the rear axle as well. Otherwise you'll just be wasting the power that cummins will make. These trucks were geared extremely low to make use of the low power outputs of the 235. I have a '50 4100 (1.5 ton) and it has a 6.17 gear. The 2 ton trucks could have an even lower gear. About 40mph will be the top speed - especially with a governed diesel.
1950 4100 - unrestored and driven weekly for almost no reason at all.
Put an early 1950's big bolt cab and front end on a Mopar/Cummins dually frame and running gear. You'll have all the advantages of a modern chassis and suspension, and the appearance of an older truck. The wide fenders and grill up front should clear the wider front suspension and track width better than the narrow one on a 1/2-1 ton truck. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
The engine compartment is the same on 1/2 ton up to 2 ton. The fenders are wider to accommodate 20" tires. A 55 and later has a mush larger engine compartment. I think you need to think the whole thing through before you ever start. A 55 or later is built for a V8. And a newer gas V8 would almost be a bolt in.
