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| | | | Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 28 Member | | Member Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 28 | I have a 1948 3/4 ton that has a rock solid body. I want to build a driver that I can enjoy in todays traffic conditions. I am thinking of building a mild resto rod with a Mustang II front end, 350 engine, auto transmission, power brakes, air conditioning and updated rear end and rear springs. Does anyone out there have any experiences they would like to share about updating a 3600.....I know alot can be done with a 3100 as far modern components but I am not sure about a 3600. Thanks, Scott | | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 874 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 874 | You can do pretty much anything to a 3600 that you can to a 3100. The front halves of the frame are the same so the MII front end is not a problem. The rear half of the 3600 frame is narrower than the 3100 and of course longer.
The 3600 rear springs are hung outboard of the frame rails and the 3100 are hung underneath the frame rails. I recently saw a rodded 3600 with a low down in the weeds stance and it looked pretty cool with that long box. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 427 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 427 | The only other thing I can think of that Ghostrider didn't say is you might need a 2 piece driveshaft. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 28 Member | | Member Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 28 | Ghostrider and Wilbur, thanks for the reply. Would the original rear springs and shackles be able to handle a mild 350 ? If not has anyone used a different set of rear hangers and springs? I have heard differing opinions about the drive shaft situation. I would think I could have a one piece drive shaft made to fit. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 874 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 874 | I think the springs would be fine with a 350, but they will give a stiff ride and it will sit too high in the rear if you're going MII in the front. You'll probably want to change them out or possibly remove some leaves or de-arch.
I think a one piece drive shaft will be a little long on that truck. A lot of differing opinions on this, but I think your maximum length is going to want to be in the 50" to 55" range from what I've been told or read in the rodding magazines. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2004 Posts: 148 Member | | Member Joined: Sep 2004 Posts: 148 | sweet! i am building a '59 3600 resto/rod. long and low, should look good.
77 nova clip, 10-bolt, th350, 3-link rear suspension, 385 sbc.
i haven't gotten my engine/trans in to measure, but the truck had a one piece driveshaft stock.
2003 ford lightning
1959 chevy 36
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