If had a 2.5-ton grain truck and wanted to put 15 or 16-inch tires on it would it be possible without changing out the axles? I watch a lot of rescues on youtube and was just wondering. I saw a cabover years ago at ATHS show in northern Indiana and it had been highly modified and I took a picture but I think Webshots ate it .
Last edited by WE b OLD; 10/06/201911:54 AM.
Ron, The Computer Greek I love therefore I am. 1954 3100 Chevy truck In the Gallery 2017 Buick Encore See more pix 1960 MGA Roadster Sold 7/18/2017
"We are not now that strength which in old days Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are"
1948 International Farmall Super A 1949 Chevrolet 3804 In the Legacy Gallery | In the Gallery Forum 1973 IH 1310 Dump 2001 International/AmTran RE3000 "Skoolie" 2014 Ford E-350 4x4 (Quigley)
Could smaller tires handle the GVW of truck? If already have low gears, smaller tires would make it lower, what would that do to cruise speed? What wheels would you use? What is your bolt pattern?
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.
If you haven't guessed I have too much time on my hands and I watch a lot of rescues of big bolts and just think what can you do with it on a daily basis. And as I mentioned a person took a COE and made it into a beautiful cruiser. The answer I was expecting was NO, you would have to put the body on a newer chassis. I love the GMC front ends on these.
Last edited by WE b OLD; 10/07/201912:46 PM.
Ron, The Computer Greek I love therefore I am. 1954 3100 Chevy truck In the Gallery 2017 Buick Encore See more pix 1960 MGA Roadster Sold 7/18/2017
Most poeple that do the COE cab swaps use late model one ton chassis. A good freind of mine did one using a late 80's one ton chevy frame and it worked perfect and I have seen them on half ton frames. It just depends on what you're goning to use it for.
I guess one reason why to do that is simply to do something different and challenge yourself in the process. I love original big bolts- part of the truck driver still in me from way back I guess? I also love big bolts that are custom made to fit somebody's idea of cool and/or functional at a high level.
Chassis swap with bigger tires and wheels would look awfully neat and still have the flavor of the old big bolt but that's many a cold beer or glass of iced tea pondering session. Flipping the coin over and seeing the knowledge and expertise of this forum though, you might turn full circle back to an authentic ride.
I know this will be disdainful for some but my '30 Chevy 1.5 ton flatbed is getting new life with an updated drive train to include a Ford 9 inch rear and disc brake conversion on the front axle. (which happens to have had the smaller king pin axle of the lighter model trucks who knows why...). Plans are for it to be a 65-70 MPH capable daily driver/work truck/trailer puller.
I'm glad everyone does not modify like I personally prefer because I wouldn't be able to see and appreciate all the cool original stuff most of the other guys build.
I put a '37 GMC T-18HD truck and original frame on axles with power steering gear from '95 GMC P3500 HD axles, made all new suspension with longer, more flexible, parallel front springs and air in rear for comfortable ride. '95 vehicle had 19.5 wheels with 5/10 bolt pattern so I was able to mount 22.5 wheels and tires. This size truck has enough engine compartment length for a 6bt or a DD 4-53T, both about the same length, used the Detroit.
I have another Dodge Cumming 4wd frame and running gear for another project, but with 8 bolt wheels, so will have to use another wheel/tire combination.
Last edited by EdPruss; 10/11/20192:04 PM.
'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.
1970 Chevrolet C10 Grandpa's -- My first truck -- In progress to shiny Follow the build in the Project Journal 1950 Chevrolet 1-Ton Dually "Ole Red Girl" In the Stovebolt Gallery More pictures here 1951 GMC 9430 1 ton dually--Shiny! | 1972 Chevrolet C20- Rusty- the puzzle box lid for the C10 | 1962 AMC Rambler American- my wife's Parts trucks- 1951 GMC 9300 | 1951-GMC 9430 | 1951- Chevrolet 1300
"We are not now that strength which in old days Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are"
1948 International Farmall Super A 1949 Chevrolet 3804 In the Legacy Gallery | In the Gallery Forum 1973 IH 1310 Dump 2001 International/AmTran RE3000 "Skoolie" 2014 Ford E-350 4x4 (Quigley)
Our shop big truck is 52 Ford sheet metal on 1T Ford V10 chassis; great for picking up old vehicles in fields or other soft ground but it's never seen 8mpg. Another is a 37 Chevy 1.5T on a UD (Nissan) chassis that had the blown up diesel replaced with a 427 Mr. Goodwrench crate engine and turbo 400 a/t. Fenders and running boards had to be widened. Another is a 54 1.5T (or 2T) Coca Cola truck with a Cummins Turbo Diesel. Pics of Chevy's but you will have to visualize the Ford.
Nice rides. Would be nice to see some more pics of the '37. Cool work on widening the fenders that should blend in well. Did you do a similar thing on the back?
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