The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun Allison conversion for a big bolt???

I still haven't gotten my truck home yet (anyone live in WEST Tennessee willing to tow about 60miles?)

Anywho, I recently found a early 70's(?) truck in a salvage yard not to far from me that still has the Allison transmission in it. Fluid looked VERY clean for sitting soo long.

I'm thinking of converting my '64 2ton to auto and was wondering if anyone has done this or not?
Mine runs and shifts fine. I just want a auto so I don't have to quickly shift due to the way they drive here..
The front cap and fire wall is all that is left as for body work, so all the rest is open and easy to get to.
Just wish I could get the whole truck and use the front suspension/brakes too!

The trans is bolted to what looks like a 366 big block but can't really get in 'there' due to these dang red wasps to check casting numbers.
He wants 500 for it and I PULL IT.. I said or that much, I'd need the drive shaft and crossmember/brackets.. We'll see. I'm supposed to pick it up this Tues. (it's probably going to take me ALL DAY to get it. OH, and a couple cans of wasp spray)
I wish he would let me use his torch!

My only concerns would be if the 292 would have any problems turning that big boy or the flexplate mating to the 292 or even a 283 V8 that I have.
Well that, and just the sheer weight of it..

SO, if any of you has done this type of swap, CHIME in by all means

Thanks E

My guess or SWAG is that it is probably an AT540 4 speed Allison as those were popular about that time frame. They were not used with 292 or even smaller V8 engines and as I recall the 366 was pretty much the standard V8 in a 6500 series so I would conclude that they require that kind of torque to work properly. I'd sure try to get the complete drivetrain if possible.

I worked on some school busses around that time that had this setup and also a two speed rear. Pretty unusual and were built for the mountains out west.

I know you asked about someone having done this swap but this is all the light I can shed on it.

God bless you Sir.
That's about what I was thinking. (That a little 283 wouldn't have the torque, BUT it's still a rotating mass..)BUT Im willing to try it!
The 292, from what i've read gets around 10-12mpg and a 366 would probably get around 6-8. (in addition, he's kinda high on his prices already.. OR I'd buy the whole truck.
It's already fitted with huge discs, power steering and HD springs out back on pretty decent tires considering it's been sitting out in a field for about a decade at least.

I have a aluminum headed 406 that's been in plastic for over 15yrs. (not fired)
Maybe I should put some 2brl heads on it, swap the cam and use that.

I wrote down the serial information from the tag but I hid it on myself, and need to check my tool bag, pockets before it heads to the wash.

OH, what's 'swag'?

Thanks Errol

I'm not sure just how much he posted about it here, but you may try searching for HevyHauler on this site. He did a Powermatic swap in his '56 2 ton. Granted, his does have a 468 Big Block in it, but the information should still be viable.
On you 409, you may want to reconsider using a 2bbl on it, a properly tuned progressive 4bbl, preferably a spread bore like a Q-Jet, will actually gibe you much better mileage than a 2 bbl, especially on a larger displacement engine.
To answer the last question, "SWAG" is an acronym for "Scientific Wild A** Guess".

Thank you sir. I'll give it a looksee.

E