Click on image for the lowdown. 
====
| | |
0 members (),
196
guests, and
1
robot. | | Key: Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod | | | Forums66 Topics128,081 Posts1,056,078 Members48,434 | | 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: Aug 2007 Posts: 29 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 29 | Does anyone know if this truck can really tow 8500 pounds with the Original 235 motor? Or do you have specs from Chevy for these trucks? Thanks iN advance. | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 | yes and no.
Yes, it will tow it, and no you can't go fast.
Grigg | | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 29 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 29 | If I changed transmission to ne with overdrive would it allow it to tow still and have better top speed. | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 | Depends on a lot of things.
No matter the transmission you won't have the power to go over about 45 towing 8,500 lb. at least not where we live in the mountains.
Yes, an overdrive transmission will let you go faster when empty, but the limiting factor on your truck when towing is the power and brakes, not the lack of an OD gear.
The same 235 engine and 4 speed was used in 2 ton trucks, but they had bigger brakes, and really low gears in the rear axle, so were slow.
Do you have a 3 or 4 speed?
Grigg | | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 29 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 29 | So it sounds like I will need to make motor mods for more power or swap a different motor in then is what you are saying. | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 | What is your goal?
What do you want to do with the truck?
So far I have just given general advice, if you need more, we need to know more from you.
Grigg | | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 4,983 | Driving an old 3600 AD at 65 MPH and hauling 8500 pounds would be scarer than that Nightmare on Elm Street. I had a nightmare a few weeks back where I was trying to control an old AD at high speeds and not having much luck when the hood flew up. I remember I just gave up and dove into the floorboard. ...is this the Greasy Spoon...
~Jim
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 29 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 29 | I want to use it regularly and occasionally tow a travel trailer. Maybe 2 times per year. Would I be better swapping it to newer frame and engine? I have considered doing a diesel swap, but if I could keep the 6 I would like to if it would be workable. Looking for some direction to make decisions. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 56 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 56 | i have a 49 3600 and drive it regularly and tow a trailer from time to time. it pulls just fine and stops fine. it is still 216-4 speed and original rearend. i am planning on changing it to 12 volt with generator [want it to be close to original as possible] so i can use the trailer brakes.
so my vote is keep it original and get everything in good working order, and enjoy it.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11977495@N06/sets/
1952 COE
1952 3100
1953 3100
1950 6400
1951 Suburban
| | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 | I don't think you will be happy trying to pull an 8,500 lb trailer very far from home with a stock 3600.
If the trailer was only 2,000 or perhaps as much as 3,000 long trips would be not much of a problem.
For what you want to do I say play with the truck as is, and get a newer truck for the trailer.
To make your old truck reliably and easily pull a heavy trailer on long trips will probably require lots of modifications. It all depends on your expectations though, if you don't mind going over hills in 2nd gear at 20 mph and occasionally getting up to 45-50, if you are lucky, then you may be OK with the stock truck.
Grigg | | |
|
|
