The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop '53 needs new engine, trans, and rear end

I recently purchased a beautiful ’53 Chevy 3600 (3/4 ton). The prior owner had the body and paint done right with new glass if needed and all new rubber. The interior is nice with new seat cover, floor mats, etc. He installed dual brake cylinders. He left the original 216 ci engine, 4 speed transmission and rear end. The old motor leaks oil profusely and has low power but starts and runs ok. The rear end is so low ratio that I can’t drive in traffic. The transmission is hard to find 3rd from 4th when slowing down to make a turn.

What replacement engine would be my best choice for making this a daily driver? Are “new” modern engines available or would I want to rebuild a different engine? Same question for transmission and rear end? Any guidance will be appreciated.

Welcome, John, I'm sure you will get many suggestions but what would help is to state how the truck is going to be used. If it's going to haul loads or pull a loaded trailer then what is suggested will be completely different that one that will be used just for cruising. Shallow gears or overdrive transmissions are the cats meow for cruisers but worthless for one that's going to work regularly. There are also some "middle of the road" combinations that can be used for dual purposes. A little more info would help.

I plan on using the truck to "just run in to town" or just go cruising. I want to be able to take it on the highway. I plan on driving it a lot. I have a Toyota Tundra for my real work jobs.

John-

I just wanted to pop in here and say hi, welcome you to the 'bolt, etc. Being a relative newbie myself, and an extreme neophyte at automechanics, I can say you've found the right place. These guys know their stuff.

A really good service of this site is the discussion forums: from a current topic to those in the archives.

There are others who have been down this same road before- so checkout the Search area at the left of your screen. Or go to Search area from the home page. Of course, the more specific you are, the better chance you will hit on what you want.

This site has lots of other things to offer, too.

Once again, welcome.

An ideal candidate would be a '54 235 or 261. It will bolt right in. And a higher geared differential from a late '60s-early '70s truck will bolt in to your housing. As mentioned above, do a search of the Engine and Driveline forum.

Welcome John
Sounds like you have a great 53 3600. I love 3/4-tons. Please post some pictures in the gallery. Your old, tired 216 can relatively easily be replaced with a later, better 235 or 261. It's almost bolt-in as Cletis mentioned. There's really no reason why you can't drive it 55 mph now, as-is - if steering, brakes and tires are all good. As far as upgrades go, don't make it go faster than you can steer and stop it. Do your research, take your time and plan before you take it apart. Good luck.

Greetings John. May I add my welcome to the others. We're always happy to have new contributors and yes, we DO love pictures so be sure and post some ASAP. As for your engine choices they are really unlimited at this point. Here is some criteria you may wish to consider in making your decisions.

1. Intended purpose - (you've already answered that)
2. Stock or modified? (a really big decision)
3. Budget concerns. Either stock or modified can be expensive.
4. Mechanical aptitude & experience.
5. Facilities & tools available.
6. Time constraints.
7. Create a picture of the finished project in your mind.
8. True desire to see it through.

There are likely others worth thinking about as well but those are the basics that all of us have had to deal with. This website can be invaluable to you as it has been to the rest of us. No one knows it all but together we have a lot of knowledge and a desire to share it with others in the hobby. So let's get started John.

A personal note: for a long time I have been thinking about seeing someone build a truck with one of the new generation of inline GM engine/transmissions. One of the DOHC sixes from a midsize SUV with fuel injection, etc. It has been done but there isn't much info available and virtually none here. But it would be a terrific project and since your at the beginning it just might be your cup of tea. Something to think about anyway.

i might have what you need i have a 56 3600 and i am taking out motor trans and rearend? let me know if i can help

ok i have a 235 no tag on the rearend but looks stock.

For a 53 3/4 ton cruiser, I will reccomend...
1. A full pressure 235 or 261
2. 4.11 gears in your housing. They can be found in 67-72 3/4 tons with automatic transmissions
3. An A833 4 speed OD transmission. There is a GM version of this dodge transmission that will bolt up to your bellhousing with a little machining, allowing the use of all the stock clutch components.
4. Tall tires in the rear like a 215/85R16 (30.4 inches) or taller.

These changes can all be done as individual projects to minimize down time. You can also see how much each one improves the drivabilty. The most improvement will probably be found when going to an OD transmission. All the changes listed above will work very well with each other, or offer modest improvements by themselves.

Some of those trucks have a Dana rear instead of the Eaton. The Dana gears will not swap.

The Eaton has a large round center section while the Dana is very angular in its shape.

I know a couple of people who have been searching craigslist and ebay for these gears for years without success.

One of them bought a set that proved too worn to use. Another bought a set that turned out to be the 4.57 gears instead of the 4.11.

All true Steve.

I was giving an "Ideal" setup. In reality it may be difficult to find some of these components. However I believe with enough time and money, they are all within grasp. They can also all be put in one at a time, and it doesn't really matter which order, so putting an engine and transmission, might buy some time to find the taller 3/4 ton gears.