The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk '56 3/4 ton radiator capacity

I have towed a 3000 lb trailer for many years with a carbureted 350 sb/350 th setup in a '52 panel with an aftermarket radiator (US Radiator) a trans cooler, and a large electric fan, but I always run on the hot side (not overheating) at 65 mph on the level or when going up grades in the mouintains. Now I am building a '56 3/4 ton for the same application, with a fuel-injected '94 350 sb and a NV 4500 5 speed. It has a belt-driven fan but, as of yet, no shroud. (The engine I am using ran with an oil cooler in the original '94 one ton donor, and I assume I will do the same, which will help cool it.)

The cross-sectional area of the '56 3/4 ton radiator is more than the '52 1/2 ton had, and it is in good condition, 2" thick.

I would like to know the experience others have had running small blocks in 55-57 trucks with stock radiators vs. aftermarket radiators, esp. in trucks often used to tow. I don't mind spending 4-500 bucks for a custom radiator, but I don't want to do it unecessarily.

Also-- how important is a shroud for this application (mechanical fan) and what brand/supplier would you recommend if I need to get one.

Thanks,

Vttinkerer

let me know how you like your NV4500. I'm using the same transmission on my '53 3/4 ton but with a 292 6 cylinder. I'm using a new stock 4pass radiator and an electric fan. Unfortunately I can't tell you how well it cools as my project is unfinished. good luck

Well Johnny, you obviously knoow why I went out of my way to use a NV4500-- the low,low 1st, the high, high 5th. I wish I had gotten a later one (the shift effort in 3rd gear is said to be less, and there is a synchro on reverse) but beggars can't be choosers. I have driven a NV4500 quite a bit, though, in a Dodge 3/4 ton truck, and I liked it in that application.

What do you mean by a "4 pass" stock radiator?

vttinkerer