The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop front end question 50 3100 with a 400 engine

I just finished a 55 3100 second series truck project. I left everything original in it, motor, trans engine front end (except for upgrading tie rod ends). I'm beginning a 50 3100 1/2 ton truck project. When I picked up the 50 it already had a 400 engine and auto trans in it. The brakes are original (and don't work) And the front end is also original to the truck. I was going to change the brake system for sure to a updated system even though the guy I bought it from told me that the truck had been driven with the stock brake system and it worked before why change it?. But I was wondering about the steering. How would the truck steer with the 400 small block?? If it steers anything like the 55, not all that great. Does anyone have any suggestions? Keep in mind that I'm doing the restoration on a budget and don't want to go the 1400 dollar front clip route. Thanks for any advice.

For my 52 with a small block I put power steering on mine. Remanufactured saginaw steering box $116, $100 for the double "d" shaft and universal joints, and about $35 for the new p/s pump and $90 for the adjustable drag link,steering arm,and bracket and two new hoses. That is a lot cheaper than the clips!

Did the previous owner have to move the steering box? That is the reason I went ahead and put the steering box on the outside of the frame toward the front. Pics in my photobucket.
Hope this helps you.

Ditto that ......

I sourced all the stuff Achipmunk mentioned from
CPP in their kit. Pretty inexpensive; especially if you
get the gear and pump yourself.
I also put their disc brake conversion kit on the truck
along with their firewall mounted booster and under dash replacement pedal brace and assembly.
All good stuff, good instructions, fitted well.
The power steering puts a lot of stress on the old tie rod and old style tie rod ends. So, I used the CPP 1 inch replacement tie rod and modern ends to complete the project.
You should have no issues with the 400 with these upgrades.
mike

thanks for the great info.

Achinpmunk

The guy I picked it up from left everything original on the truck besides the motor trans and rear end. The hubs have had adapter plates but on them to convert to 5 lugs. The steering box is in the original place and very close to the exhaust manifold. there is one heck of a exhaust leak there to I need to fix. Seems like they didn't want to fool with it because of having to jack the engine up to get around the steering. And that panel truck you have looks great! What is the name of that color of paint you used? And if you don't mind me asking where did you buy it at? I also used the POR 15 frame piant on my 55. The floor baord kit POR has works real good to

Squire

who is CCP, do you mean Classic Chevy parts? thanks for the info

Its CPP = Classic Performance Parts

The color is 2006 Mitsubishi Eclilpse--Bizen Sunset Orange.
I bought it here in Spartanburg from Reynolds Coating and their primary paint is PPG. I used their "shop line" version. Not the real expensive stuff. Base coat/clear coat.

Anyone owning an AD pickup with a V8 knows about the exhauset clearance. I was just wondering what kind of headers were used in case it would help someone that is trying to leave the steering box in place. Its commonly agreed the box needs to be moved "outward" about 1 to 1 1/2".
My engine is centered. There is a sheet in my photo bucket showing the diagram of the mounts and where to measure ect for the mounts I used. If by chance it is not in the photo bucket send me a PM and I'll send you a copy. I have it on my computer I know.

I might add that CPP and one of the other vendors (Classic Parts?) has a nice write up converting an AD or TF truck to power steering. It would be worth your time to read over it as it may help you in any decision making.

Achipmunk

Thanks for the paint color. I had seen a 51 3100 drive by last week that had what looked like a burnt orange colot very sharp looking. And the headers on the 400 I have are stock. Thanks agian for the help and advice on the front end. That will be one of the first things I work on. I have a nieghbor who is a welder and he has access to a portable arch welder, plasma cutter, etc. I don't think my little mig welder would be up for the job of welding anything on the frame He is about my newphews age and loves to work on the old trucks. I also just added CPP to my favorites.

I couldn't find the measurement sheet so PM sent

It sounds like so many jacked-up jobs you see around the country. Some folks think they can drop a V8 and auto tranny into a Bolt and leave the rear end, brakes, and front end in the halfa$$ed condition 60 years have left it. Alvin's advice is worth taking.

yeah, the rear end had been changed out. Don't know if it was done when they put in the tranny and engine. But I guess it is like the fella I got it from said. They drove it like that for years. Some time or another they changed the headlights to a alternator and 12v. As far as jacked up goes, this 50 truck ain't near as bad as the 55 was when I first started on it, talk about jacked up. And I know I can bring back the 55 this 50 is no problem. Me and my nieghsbors can't wait to see this one when it's done.

It's all possible, one day at a time.

You are right, I have always restored a vehicle back using all original parts except maybe changing a radiator out or sometning minor like that. So I'am new to this type of restoration. Thanks again for everyones help. And hopefully someone else will get some good info from this thread.