The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun 54 Chevy 1 ton want to use as a daily driver

Hello, I am new to this forum. I have a 54 1 ton. 235, 4sp with a 4.55 rear. I want to use it as a daily driver. Also use it as a pick up. Not heavy stuff but lumber etc. I would appreciate some help with a few questions:
1. I want to change the engine oil. What weight and type should I use? Do I need to add a zinc additive?
2. What should I use to change the trans fluid?
3. What to use for the rear fluid?
4. I have 7.0x17 on the front and 7.5x17 on the rear. Tires are shot what should I put on for everyday use. Thanks in advance for your help. Jeff

I like to run straight 30 weight in mine, but I'm no expert on such things. I just notice that oil pressure seems to decline with heat when I use one of the multi-weight oils.

90 weight 'multi-purpose' gear lube in the trans and the rear axle both.

You will probably need to buy new wheels in addition to tires, so I'd look for an LT type tire that you liked and choose the exact size based on load capacity and the wheels you choose.

The rear brakes on this truck are huge, so you need to make sure your wheel and tire combination will clear them. On the front people often have trouble with the tie-rod ends hitting the tire or wheel when they swap wheels.

A lot of guys look for the 19.5 inch wheels that came out a few years after your truck was made, and run those tubeless wheels with modern tires. I'm told those wheels are hard to find but I've never looked for a set.

Hi rocking chair - I agree with OldSub, but would like to add that if you are driving in the cold winter months I suggest 10W-30 motor oil. I drive mine all year and in the cold Boston winters straight 30 weight is too heavy for winter. I also add ZDDP zinc additive to the oil. You can buy that online thru a bunch of different places. Eastwood also sells it. Kirban Performance has it too. The 7.50X17 rear tires should be OK for highway driving. That's what's on my '48 1 ton, but I got 5.14 gears. 60 MPH is 3000 RPM.

My 41 1ton has the same tire size, 700X17 with a 216 and 5.14 gears it was screaming at 50 mph. I did not consider it safe on I 95. It would have been just a matter of time before somebody ran up my rear.

I went to 3.73 gears with a 700R4 transmission I get 70 mph at 2000rpm.

Not to mention what it will do for gas mileage.

I drove my 52 1 ton with 5.14 gears and 7.50-17 tires everyday for a few years.
Used straight 30 weight oil in a 1955 model 235.

Next time it's on the road it'll have 8R19.5 tires on tubeless wheels.

Grigg

i just got my 50 1 ton going after swapping in a 261 with dual holley webers, fenton headers, a lil' cam & HEI. took a 160 mi. shakedown cruise yesterday. steady 55 mph, 180 degrees, good oil press & 16 mpg !! that's with the stock 5.14 gears & 750 17 tires. i was quite pleased.
robert

Yes, they are fun. I have used mine as daily transportation for almost two years now. I have put on about 13,000 miles, and, it gets about 16mpg. It does a little better on the highway chugging along at 45-50mph, but I average 16 mpg. Doesn't matter it there is a ton on the truck or not. Just accelerates slower then. In fact, I've had two tons in the truck, and its the same! I have the 216. It was rebuilt about 20 years ago.

Enjoy your 1 Ton ! They are unique vehicles that are just starting to be reconized for their uniqueness.