The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Purchase Advice Sought 2nd Series 6400

Hi All--This site has been a great resource. I'm hoping the crew can take some time for some Big Bolt questions.

I'm considering adding a Big Bolt as an actual work truck. I've long had the bug, and my low mileage 2nd Series 55 GMC has proven that with a rear end, some front discs and a tranny swap her 248 straight six can handle anything a modern light duty truck can handle--with better fuel economy most of the time. Of course, I might be a little biased...

Now I need a serious work truck. I really want to make one of the many second series trucks out there work. There are just so many of them, and at good prices! My questions are, "what should I expect, and what will I potentially regret?" I'm assuming I'll need some disc brakes and a drivetrain swap. But, I also know myself. I'll find some amazing, low mileage truck and hate myself for anything I change on it. So, what if...

Say, I went for a 6400 with a two speed rear? Are the wheels two piece, and/or are they dangerous at modern speed? Is the six cylinder, four speed truck able to carry a ton of payload up a mountain and maintain speed? How about trailer-ing? I'm guessing, the answers are "No" and "No." If I throw a 7,500lbs trailer on the back without the aforementioned upgrades, I'm guessing life will get very interesting... What is a safe highway speed (assuming the steering box and all else are good) under normal/no load? 55mph?

I'm guessing that if I go this route, I'll find some beautiful restored farm truck, shrink wrap the old drive train and plop something newer in there. What do you guys think? Better just to get a modern work truck?

Thanks much--Ben

I have a 58 Chevy 6400 with a steel flatbed dump on it. It has a tired 327 (with a 2bbl) in place of the 6 cyl, other than that, it is pretty much stock. That said, It has 9r-22/5 tires on it (one piece wheels). I am spinning 3600 RPM at 60mph, 4200RPM at 70mph. I get about 8 1/2 MPG. As far as stopping, it is OK, but, I did not go through the hydravac nor did I put new shoes on it.

I bought an extra cab and put it on the back and came across the mountains with it, it was pretty slow going up the hills, a lot nicer with the 2-speed rear end. I would assume a 350 in it (or at least a fresher 327) would have pulled a bit better.

As far as towing a trailer, I plan on towing my 35' 1951 travel trailer with it. The trailer will probably weigh close to 7,000-7,500 when loaded.

A 6400 has a GVW of 16,000 lbs. with a factory flatbed. Add a steel bed or a hoist and you put another 2-3000 on the empty weight. That leaves you with 10,000 to 7,000 usable load.
Any trailer would have it's own brakes so stopping is not an issue. With 6-9000 truck weight, it will take a lot for the tail to wag the dog.
The '48 2 ton had a 235 with dual W-1's (properly sized) and dual exhaust so it could breath easier, and a 700R4 trans. That has a substantial overdrive. 8.25R20 tires and front disc brakes.
I did all the road testing with a farm tractor loaded on the bed, about 1-1/2 tons.
If you are licensed to or experienced in driving big trucks you allow stopping room, don't make quick lane changes or take off ramps like a pickup. She will maintain minimum highway speeds on most hills and on long grades you will do just fine in the climbing lane with the other trucks. Actually, low speed rear and overdrive can keep you in the travel lane more often.

Thank you for sharing your experience, Guys. A 6400 sounds well-suited for what I have in mind. You have contributed to my addiction to old trucks!

69Cuda: That picture of the old Suburban pulling the truck is great!

which one, pulling the red 55 or the 58? Thanks, they were both a bit hairy!