Click on image for the lowdown. 
====
| | |
8 members (Hotrod Lincoln, Tronman, HandyAndy, Steelonsteel, Otto Skorzeny, Charles in CA, tclederman, Bill Hanlon),
141
guests, and
3
robots. | | Key: Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod | | | Forums66 Topics128,042 Posts1,055,501 Members48,424 | | Most Online14,466
Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
| | THANKS!
For helping keep this great
old truck web site
on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down
with Ads!  Again, thanks!
| | | | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 222 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 222 | Hi All,
I am sort of new here and this question might be obvious to some, but not me! How much trouble is it to put a big block in a 1952 3600? I am guessing that it is much more difficult than a small block because of the steering box and the size of the larger engine, am I right? I did a search and came up with zip, so your comments would be appreciated!
Rick | | | | | Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 738 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 738 | I do not know, technically speaking, how much more difficult it would be. I had an old f-150 for a while that had a 460 in it and darn was that thing fun!!! I would go for the BB just because of the "lope" and power. Good Luck!!!
Knox
"Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity." - George S. Patton My Machine | | | | | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 | You are right. It is more difficult.
I don't think I've ever seen it done using the stock steering. The big block swaps I've seen were all power steering conversions, subframe swaps or Mustang II IFS.
1955 1st GMC Suburban | 1954 GMC 250 trailer puller project | 1954 GMC 250 Hydra-Matic | 1954 Chevy 3100 . 1947 Chevy COE | and more...
It's true. I really don't do anything but browse the Internet looking for trouble... | | | | | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 8 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 8 | Not sure of all the differences,but I put a 454/turbo 400 in a 1945 chevy 1 1/5 ton 4x4. Used the stock steering gear,didn't alter any sheet metal,used the original reworked radiator shell/housing and used the 454 HD fan clutch and blade. Anything can be done!
Good Luck! | | | | | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 222 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 222 | Thanks for answering Knox, OldSub, and cprice. Such decissions to make. I am pulled between the 292, TPI 305, and a big block. I have built a 350 before, in an S-10, so I have been there done that. I think I need to do some serious tape measure work!
Rick in VA | | | | | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 8 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 8 | No Replacement for Displacement! | | | | | Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 24 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 24 | No Replacement for Displacement! Sure there is....forced induction. 
'58 Apache: Camaro sub, 383 w/forced induction, 700R4 trans, 4-link w/floating 9" and un-altered sheetmetal.
| | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 | Rick,
If you need something to pull a tape on I have my 2 ton down to the frame, and my 1 ton still driving. I know it says I am from Lexington, but my trucks are in Martinsburg WV right now. Send me an e-mail if you want to stop by and take a look.
I am in the process of putting a 4-53T Detroit and a 10 speed in my 2 ton.
Grigg | | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | steering box is a problem on V8....much has been said here. I am about to put a V8 in my 52 panel so the comments here will be interesting. I have been taking some notes and it seems there is a Toyota box that will bolt on the "side" of the chassis with out much hazzle.... check back on some threadsa nd I'm sure you will find it... | | | | | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 70 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 70 | is there a problem with steering gear, putting a v8 in a big bolt 51 6400 | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 | As far as I know, and some one please back me up, or explain better.
The front section of the frame on all AD trucks from 0.5 to 2 ton are all very close to the same size, if not identical other than being thicker steel. Check the frame measurements in the frame section of your service manual, you will see.
So, yes, it is still the same problem as on the 0.5 ton.
Grigg | | |
|
|
