The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Newbie w/ a '53

Hey guys! My name is Jeff, I live near Saint Louis, MO., and I just became the owner of a '53 3/4 ton with a locked up engine.
Outside of the engine, and brakes, and a few minor details, it's a driver. I haven't decided what to do with it just yet.
If I can find a good running 6 banger, I'll probably just drop it in and drive the old girl, but I also have a couple small blocks laying around. Another Idea I'm entertaining, is this, I have a complete drivetrain from a 1990 Suburban sitting here, both axles, 350, 700R4,Transfer case, drive shafts, everything.
Keeping the truck original isn't a big concern to me, if I'm going to keep it around, I'm going to use it as a truck.
At any rate. Looks like a cool board, and I look forward to chatting with you guys.

BTW, How would I find out what my rear end gear ratio is?
Thanks.

Hey Genius. I will take a stab at this one. Finding a post 54, 235 6-cylinder would be the easiest to get her going. You can get a v-8 in there with the stock frame, but there are some clearance issues with the steering box and you will need to fab side motor mounts, and possibly a tranny mount, depending what you use. If you keep the original tranny with a v-8, you will have to find a v-8 clutch housing. The 1990 Suburban axles, etc can be installed on your frame, but the newer axles are wider than your 53 and will stick the wheels outside of your fenders. A complete frame swap is doable, but labor intensive or expensive if you hire it done. Your rear end is a 4.57:1 if it is original. I am sure others more wise than me will chime in if I forgot anything. Good luck and have fun.
Ralph

Yeah, I'm gonna start hunting a 292 six banger.
Will I still be able to use the foot starter?

Why not try unfreezing the original engine, it may be a stuck clutch. Squirt a little oil overnight in each cylinder, add new points, clean the carb, clean the cap, change the oil, check the ebrake for proper working order in case you do get it started, a little starting fluid, fresh battery, put it in second or third gear and a gentle pull with another truck (that's why you need brakes) at least you can drive it around the driveway instead of pushing it when you start the rebuild project. I have gotten engines to run that sat for many years in about thirty minutes. I like the challenge .......g

I would try to unseize it aswell. It can't hurt. A 292 will not work as easily as a 261 or a 235...but do whatever you feel like.

The guy I got it from pulled the head off about ten years ago, and just left it open. It's solid.
I really want a modern engine anyway. I'll keep the oil bath air cleaner, and try to make it look correct, But I expect this truck to be a daily driver.I drive about an hour and a half each way to work every day, and I work a truck pretty hard on the weekends. That means things like HEI, and modern bearings. I don't know the first thing about messing with points.

What are the differences? What kind of problems can I expect?

The 292 uses modern style bellhousing, so no you won't be able to use the foot starter. Mounts different too. May as well put a V8 in. If you can find a 261 out of an old bus, you would be in great shape. It uses the same mounts and bell housing as the old 216. You can also use your old flywheel and 6 volt starter. They really crank over good with 12 volts to them. And they will handle it too. I have heard of guys putting the lighter 235 rods in them and an 848 head (from a 235)that will boost the compression a little. They also have full pressure oiling. You would have to get a short water pump.

I was told that the factory bellhousing would work with modern engines?

Well -- it's your truck, but personally I like the 261 idea for a 3/4 ton AD. The modern six such as a 250 or 292 is just as much work to put in as a small block, and a hot (say 200 hp) 261 in a 53 3/4 ton with 3.08:1 butt gears and the old granny gear 4 speed would be way cool.

Welcome Aboard
Boo