The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop up grade my 37

I have a 37 ½ ton and want to upgrade it a little. The 1942 216 that was in it runs good, the orig. trans top cover is broken, the torque tube drive shaft was disconnected at the universal but as far as I know the orig. rear end is ok, but I want to upgrade to make a reliable driver. Was thinking of a 292 in-line 6, with an auto trans (on the floor). What kind of rear end would you match up with this? Heard an S10 rear end may be an option.
This has been a hard decision to make whether to keep it stock or upgrade. I don't want to do anything that can not be reversed in the future. Also will be wanting to put disc brakes on the front (bolt on kit) so there is no modifications to the orig, front end but that is another post topic all together.

once you upgrade it you will never go back. i would use a 700r overdrive trans and a 55-59 rear end. measure your truck rear end from the flat surface of the drum where the wheel mounts so you get the width. check and see if bufflo makes a six lug front disc brake kit, and a booster master for under the floor.

I have decided the same in order to make a daily driver with my '52. I am going to have the truck look stock with modern running gear. With the 292 I suggest a 3.08 to 3.43 ratio depending on your needs. Good luck and have fun, Wayne

Thanks for the information! If I build the motor with low compression, do you think the stock radiator will be OK to use? I want it to look the way it was built in 37, just a little safer and more reliable.
I finally have the frame stripped of the body. And it should go to the frame shop this week to make sure everything is perfectly the way it should be.
Want to get all my photos on photobucket so I can possibly post a link. I try to take lots of pics for references. I had some bad luck with a hard drive crash late last year and lost lots of pics of when I frist got my hands on the truck. If I had not printed a page of photos to drool over I would have none of the truck when it was in one piece.

I personally don't ever plan on going back to original but if I ever do sell it having all the orginal stuff pickled away may be just what the next guy was dreaming of. The truck is as stock and in great condition as I could of ever hoped for. Someone did add shocks and mounts way back when on the rear. I do have the knee type hyd. shocks in a box.

Well, if I was building a motor with 7 main bearings, and capable of spinning in the 7000- 9000 rpm range, I might build it a little bit different... MORE POWER ARR ARRRR!

Seriously, the 292 is a great engine.

Buffalo enterprises will be able to help you for front disc brakes.

Good luck and ask a lot of questions. It makes the rest of us either feel "important" or "jealous".

Important yes, anyone who has knowledge and is willing to share it is important in my book. They have my 37 in the gallery now(Debra's 37)and should have my photobucket link there also. I have lots more photos to add of all the teardown and hopefully the start to build phase! Hope you take a peek.
I can not have more power. I have a very verrrry heavy lead foot and if the power is there I am sure to use all of it and anything that equals my love for power is hating to give them boys in blue my money!