The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun 58 Apache Dump - Keep it old or make it new(ish)

Hello Again,
Thanks for your patience, I am posting again with more questions about my new project.

As far as the brakes, axels hubs, etc;
As far as I see it, I have 3 options.
1: Keep all old hubs brakes wheels axels. Repairing and replacing as necessary.
2: Keep old parts and upgrade to disc brakes. same old wheels and tires
3: Complete swap to late model 1 ton F350/f450 frame.

I like the idea of staying old or mostly old, but I also like the idea of upgrading the brakes.
Can I just get parts for this truck?
Thank you!
Bill
https://photos.app.goo.gl/mPsELfvZzVL9mFkYA[/img]

Why Swap to a Ferd frame? Just curious.🛠

Whay not gust put modern axles and brakes on it?

There are a couple front disc brake conversion kits for these 3/4 & 1 tons, but I'm not sure they will work on your truck since it has the wider hub for dual wheels(correct me if I'm wrong). Also another route to go will be to swap the rear end to a 14 bolt.

Edit: I just realized your truck has a 5/10 bolt pattern, so the stuff I mentioned most likely won't work

Why Swap to a Ferd frame? Just curious.🛠
--- I have access to a f450 frame and 6.0 diesel (ugh) for cheap. I'm not against anything at this point. I know the 6.0 issues, but wouldnt be insurmountable.


Why not gust put modern axles and brakes on it?
-- I think this is probably my best option. I'm looking for donors rn. Any suggestions? I'd like to just replace the axels and not have to replace the whole drivetrain if possible.

Here is a pic of the potential donor.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/SdfPPXFVQJgizNxx5

It’ll cost you the 5-10 patten wheels. But I’d look for any new-ish 3500-4500 with a straight axle front.

I do like the big ole wheels and tires

Current production Ram 4500’s have a straight axle, dually and 19.5’s
Find a wrecked one to canibalize.

Current to what year?

Disregard, i was thinking 4wd solid axle

I believe you have Bendix brakes and that means parts are available. In my experience the 3800s had plenty of brakes. I finally put a hydrovac on mine when I started pulling a trailer so I wouldn't have to use both feet on the brake pedal. My front ones do overheat loaded with repeated stops from 60MPH on one stretch of road with a bunch of stop lights but then the front drums are getting thin. Otherwise I've had no braking problems in the Western mountains with a camper at 9,000 gross. I think you can get a disc kit for both single and dual wheel models for a little over $500. I'm thinking about it.

You could re-power to a big V8. By 58 they were putting 348s and 322 Buick V8s in them. Then by 62 a 409 was an option. All should be a near bolt in swap. You'd be hard pressed to find a 409 but you could put in any big-block. So you have lots of options for power and brakes.

I'll attempt to rebuild the brakes, starting with the drivers side rear and go from there. See what presents itself.
Thank you all for your input

Interesting anecdotal info, thanks. I've got a '54 3600 I plan on doing some towing with (not cross country, but cross-Wisconsin at least) and have been curious what the comfortable upper limit is for towing. Most of my towing is motorcycles or ATVs so it's rare I see north of 3000lbs total trailer weight, but it's good to hear a similar vintage truck has no issue with more than twice that.