The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline '50 spares for a '54

Fellow an hour away is rodding his '50 3/4-ton; he's only keeping the body & frame and selling the rest to someone who'll use it. I've a '54 1/2-ton and am keeping an eye out for spare parts. I'm pretty sure the '50 front suspension is the same as the '54 but I don't know about the steering box. Would it be a bolt-in replacement for my '54's? Also, I read that the '50 open driveline suspension is different than my '54 closed but would it be a bolt-on (existing holes) if I get the hangers with it? Maybe an easy way to get "open"? I'm already going to grab the engine-trans & radiator...

the steering box and collumn will interchange as will the engine and transmission. Everything else will likely be a wasted effort. Although the 3/4 ton springs, axles, and brakes are practically bulletproof, they are not much of an upgrade for a 1/2 ton truck. The 3/4 ton gears are typically 4.56:1 which will likely reduce the cruising speed of your 1/2 ton. It is also much easier to retrofit a 1/2 tons brakes to disc. There isn't much aftermarket support for the 3/4 ton drivelines.

I don't think the 50 engine would be an upgrade, unless someone at some time switched it to a full pressure 235. If it's the original engine you'd be replacing a full pressure insert bearing 235 with a splash oil, babbit bearing 216.
Samantha

After some research, I figure like bigdadswingdaddy said only the front suspension, steering and Rad-trans would be useful to me. The driveline, rearend & wheels wouldn't work for my 3100.

The engine is tempting however. It's a '54 truck but it's probably the old cam & crank style unless someone can pinpoint the date they switched to the newer cam & crank styles.

I can include a link if anyone's interested; it's in Richland WA
Thanks

1954 was the first year for trucks that used the full oil pressure 235 with insert bearings (1953 cars with autos also had them). The truck engines prior to 1954 were the 216 splash lubrication and babbit bearings.
Samantha

Have you checked the casting numbers on the engine? That's the only way to know exactly what he has.

A 1950 engine might not be an upgrade in a 54, but if it is running it could easily be swapped in a weekend. The original engine can be rebuilt, and keep the truck on the road with minimum downtime.

I don't believe the 3/4 ton front suspension will be useful in a 1/2 ton.

The steering components and front springs are interchangeable, but I would skip the front axle, unless you plan on running an 8 lug wheel and drum brakes on the 3100. The axle and spindles are not interchangable. Also, I would snag onto the bellhousing, starter, flywheel, and trans. There is always guys wanting to convert their rides to an open driveline.