The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Differences in 48 - 53 AD design trucks

Hello -

Have been seriously considering purchasing an AD truck...actually missed out on a few, but I'd like to refine what it is that I'm looking for.

I know that the AD trucks went to Bendix brakes in '51, which provided much more stopping power, and parts are much cheaper. What other mechanical changes were there in the AD trucks that might make one year more desirable than another, from the standpoint of being easier to work on and more desirable to own?

I'm aware that most people like the 1/2 tons more than 3/4 tons, but is that just because you can get 3:55 gears for the 1/2 tons? What other differences are there aside from heavier springs and a different drive train from the tranny back (2 piece drive shaft, open rear end on 3/4 ton)?

I already own a '59 Apache 3600, and I swapped out the Eaton rear for a Dana 60...it wasn't that hard, and I got 3:54 gears. Can you do the same swap to an AD 3/4 ton truck?

Lastly, there's 3 window vs. 5 window. From what I've seen, the 5 window cabs seem to command a premium, but how un/popular are the 3 window cabs, and exactly how much more should/would a 5 window cab cost?

Just trying to understand what makes one year and model more desirable than another.

Thanks...

Chris

More parts are available for 1/2 tons because 1/2 tons were/are more plentiful.

A variety of body, brake, engine, and styling changes were made throughout the A-D years. These changes were more evolutionary than revolutionary. The 1954 year saw the largest number of substantial changes - in engine and in body style.

The 1955 Task Force trucks body-changes and V-8 engines were big changes.

Here are a few chronicles/listings of differences over the A-D years:

http://1954advance-design.com/A-D_LCVA/LCVA-1-47.html

http://1954advance-design.com/A-D_factoids/

The 47 2nd and 48 cabs had the gas tank underneath the truck,49 up was inside.

3-5 window cabs like (1/2-3/4) are a matter of choice I like the 3 so that is what I bought and restored. I would say a 5-window is more desireable probably in a dollar figure range of $500-$1000 more on essentially the same truck (Utah examples). If you like that look hold out until you find one, buy the best truck optioned how you like it for the money. There are lot's and lot's of A-D's out there so get what you want. Oh and one last rule everything will be twice as expensive as you planned. Good luck!