The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 1951 3/4 ton

Hello y’all. I come on here ever so often with questions and advice on a project truck. This is another of those.
I’ve found a 1951 stake bed 3/4 ton rust free. It still has the long bed step side running boards. I’m wondering if 2 ton or 1 ton short cab length running boards would fit?
Also wondering if newer 8 hole steel wheels would fit this truck. Non split rings.
It’s a 4 speed. Any guesses on rear gear ratio?
Thanks in advance for any info. This truck has sat for years but is very solid. I really think this is the truck I want.

Hello, Thad

"I’ve found a 1951 stake bed 3/4 ton rust free. It still has the long bed step side running boards."
There was one size 3/4 ton bed/frame (and another different size 1/2 ton bed/frame; and, a third size 1 ton bed).
I think they all had different running boards.

There were two running boards available on a 3/4 ton:
75 3/4" long (standard)
40 3/4" long (optional on both 3/4 ton and 1 ton)

87 1/2" long was used on 1 ton panel and pickup

In order to use the 1/2 ton running board on your 3/4 ton, you'd have to determine if the mounting brackets on your truck will work.
Maybe someone reading this will know.

"It’s a 4 speed. Any guesses on rear gear ratio?"
Here are rear end specs.
Here are the transmission gears ratios.

The rear axle is probably a 4:57 ratio rear axle .

SM 420 four speed , used from 1948 to the mid 1960's .

It has a 216 babbit pounder engine . How many miles on the engine ?

How well does the engine run ?

It has huck brakes - parts are very scarce . Front & Rear replacement brake drums DO NOT exist

for a 1951 3600 . If it needs brake drums you are up a tree .

Be very aware of what you are getting into before you take the leap .


George
'54 3600

Short running boards (cab length) for a 3/4 ton are same as 1 ton stake bed running boards and I would guess but not sure same as 1/2 ton stake bed if such a thing exist.

1.5 and 2 ton running boards look the same but are slightly different dimensions, don't interchange with the small trucks.

One option for better rear axle gears and brakes with available parts
https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthread.../14-bolt-axle-swap-info.html#Post1249600

An option for better gears for existing axle.
https://www.stovebolt.com/techtips/axles/1%20Ton%20Upgrade/

Several options for single piece tubeless wheels. My favorite are 19.5" single wheels though original ones (1956 and after) are becoming difficult to find. I recently put some on my 1 ton complete with hubcap clips and original hubcaps, I think they look sharp.
Some people use 16" wheels new and sold for use on a trailer, search the forum for info. They look somewhat original.
17.5" wheels and tires are also an option, OK option if you find the wheels but I'd search for 19.5" because they're taller.

If you like the truck don't let brakes and gears scare you away. Although not original there are some very good options/upgrades, though they take some research and effort to implement.

The rims would need are 8 lug on 6.5" circle pattern. They are VERY common. Ford used them up to 1999. Chevy used them up to 2011, and Dodge is still using this lug pattern.

I have 16" rims on my 48 3600 stakebed. depending on what rims you find/like, you can find tires of various heights to get the look/fit/speed you are looking for.

I looked for new and repop "short" running boards and had no luck finding any.

Jon

The low gears is a plus. The brakes do scare me a bit but this will be a long restoration if I get this one.

I don't understand how low gears are a plus?
I've had 5.13, 4.56, and 4.10 gears in my various 1 ton AD trucks all with 8R19.5 tires at 32-33" tall. By far the most useful (of those) is the 4.10 gears, even with the little old 228 GMC it has enough power on the road, even the interstate when necessary. I also use the truck to haul a lot of stuff and 4.10 gears don't hinder that in the least.

A truck geared so it's comfortable to drive and go wherever you want will bring more joy. I've also had trucks with unreasonably low gears, they're less fun.

I live in the heart of the Ozarks there isn’t an interstate anywhere near here. The old truck wouldn’t see 50 mph two or three times a year. It would mostly just plug along here locally.

Even so.

I drive mostly roads with 55 mph speed limit at something slower than that and the faster gears are appreciated. Quieter in the cab, feels more relaxed driving, and better mileage.

If you’d drive the same truck with a slow axle ratio and again with a faster ratio you will not want to go back to the low gears. Only reason I can think of is if you’re not driving on public roads, or literally only in parades (not to and from them).

Not saying you can’t drive around with the original axle gears as I did for years and still had a lot of fun. Just don’t be so close minded, consider or try faster axle gears.

Thad, I'm also in Arkansas, south Arkansas. I'm also very familiar with your neck of the woods, youngest son was band director for a while in Green Forrest
and we've been going to Eureka Springs and NW Ar for the past 45 years. Don't know why we never moved there. That said, the only time I miss the 4.57s in my 3600 is when I'm in the hay field or idling around in the woods on a single tract log road. If you do either of those two things then the stump puller 1'st gear in your 4 speed with 4.57's is nice. However if you plan to make your '51 a daily driver even in the Ozarks, a little more friendly highway gear is nice. The good news is it's a change that can be made at anytime so, no need to rush to judgement today.