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| | | | Joined: Jan 2018 Posts: 25 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jan 2018 Posts: 25 | Hi everyone, I just joined because I just bought a bunch of stuff starting with a 1937 cab and a 1938 parts pickup...I'm retired and on the cheap ($) so I'm trying to find what will work in my stuff... it came with a 1937 rebuilt (but not run) 216 engine that I Thought I would start with, and in my shed is a 1963 ms420 , I also have a torque tube rear end from a 1953 Belair Power glide..I'm wondering what you all know about mating these up.. thank you in advance for your thoughts and advice...BOB | | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 | Since you are like most of us, more time than money, I'm thinking that trying to make parts that don't go together will cost more in the long run than obtaining the correct parts at swap meets. I'd ditch the passenger car torque tube and find a open ujointed rear and get a driveshaft cut to fit your wheel base of the 38
Last edited by sstock; 01/10/2018 5:33 PM.
1953 Chevrolet 3100261 cu inch, sm420, 3.55 rear, torque tube still,omaha orange, still 6 volt, RPO green glass, side carrier spare, all done In the DITY GalleryVideo of the 261 running1964 GMC 1000305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | 420's came with and without park brakes.
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.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2018 Posts: 25 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jan 2018 Posts: 25 | you are right about using newer open driveline conversion.. I have come around to your way of thinking... I have a 74 nova 250 running gear ( still in the car with everything I need.. just need to see if the 216 is worth staying with.. I can mate the 250 with the 63 4 speed ( granny gear) out to the .308 / 1 rear ( 5 bolt wheel) or use a blazer rear end and get 6 bolt wheels...thanks for the direction.. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,518 | Beaver Bob, I just opened up a 420 trans that I got cheap, it was going to the iron heap. Man, this thing is built and very considerable in size in relation to bearings gears, etc. That could be a firm foundation for your drive train. I had the original blown up babbit 216 and decided on a 235 for my truck but a 250 should be fine, just need to make sure the bell housing fits. Ujoints and driveshaft for that rear will be real easy for a shop to cut the exact length and balance and put the yokes of your choice on there. Sounds to me you are on the right track to getting a forward direction on your 37-38. Post up some pictures as you proceed. Most of us live vicariously through other people's builds.
1953 Chevrolet 3100261 cu inch, sm420, 3.55 rear, torque tube still,omaha orange, still 6 volt, RPO green glass, side carrier spare, all done In the DITY GalleryVideo of the 261 running1964 GMC 1000305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2015 Posts: 2,063 Big Bolt Forum Moderator | | Big Bolt Forum Moderator Joined: Dec 2015 Posts: 2,063 | Beaver Bob, I put a 79 Blazer rear (3.40 ratio) in my 59 Suburban with the SM420 in it. (I did have a 350 in it though) and it had plenty of power and no issues going down the freeway. (31x10.5-15 tires on it) | | | | | Joined: Jan 2018 Posts: 25 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jan 2018 Posts: 25 | Thank you , It is still winter around here... giving me way to much time to think... when I can get the motor over to my shop I think I will open up the bottom end and see if the babbits are still there or whether it has bearings.. that would be my most favorable go ahead.. what is the difference between the ms420 and a 1963 4 speed or are they the same? | | |
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