You can leave it in high, or you can shift to high after you get to 4th. Either way, there is no sequence required with these set ups, other than the shifting techniques and split shifting proceedures as seen in the video.

Split transmission downshift as at 3:33 in the second video above.

As to the brakes, unless you put bigger brakes on, or change axles to those with bigger brakes or change axles to disc brakes, your brakes are your brakes.

If they are in good condition, with proper lining etc, and you operate the truck conservatively, you will be fine. If you like to overload and speed, you will learn more than you want to know about your brake systems limitations.

 

so, would the following be possible: put the ford 300 I6 (that should give me more power correct? or would you recommend a different engine?), a more modern like 1980's-1995 rear axle from a f600, probably a split rear, and keep the same transmission?

i would like to hear some opinions as to what combo is recommended. i need the speed to max out at no less than 75mph, and for it to have a little better brakes and a bit more power for hauling.

i don't intend on over loading it, i avoid that like the plague.

 

Do you have a truck yet? If so, what engine?

A 300 six is not necessarily more power and even if it did have a bit more, imo, it would not be worth the expense to swap one in place of a good running 292.

Newer two speeds may have different ratios with higher overall gearing--you'd have to shop around and you'd have to know your ratios in the current axle.

75 is too fast for these trucks.

You should look at a much later model F350 or similar, and even then imo 75 is pushing things with a vehicle that heavy.

 

well, i ask about the mods for two reasons:
1: ive thought about getting and customizing one.
2: i have to take some man roads, and there are certain roads that are "international speedways" and i need to be able to bring the truck up to bear or i may be considered a "danger to pubic safety," which is odd considering i live in a rural farm community where anything from vespas to kenworths go through all the time. so its not like im the only one who uses a meduim duty truck with limited speed.

so, i have to ask, am i going to destroy the engine if have to run it all out for long periods? i know the engine is gonna get hot, regardless of the cooling system.

 

Regarding mods to a 57 to 60 F500 or F600 to be able to cruise at 75+ mph.

Get ready to spend many dollars. It can be done, but if you want the speed capability with the load carying capability, you will need to upgrade engine, axles, brakes, steering, and likely transmission. Also consider tires, as the limiting speed for tires in the sizes used on these trucks is often 75 mph. The steering mechanism and geometry on these old trucks can make driving at high speeds interesting to say the least.

Your best option might be to get a recent MD truck (late 90s or newer) that is engined and geared to handle your load at the 75+ mph and strip off the cab and refit it with the cab of a 57 to 60 Ford.

For reference, a good running 292 MD (common in these trucks) was rated at about 146 hp as installed. With the oem radiator this engine would pump out full hp all day long without overheating, but with the wind drag of these trucks there is only so much 146 hp can do. Even the 292 HD (the one with sodium cooled valves and such) would come up short. These engines were built to run for extended periods at rated hp and RPMs without tearing themselves up, but you need more than they, and the rest of the drivetrain, can deliver.

 

good to know. perhaps i should be a little clearer, even though i know the answer. i would like to be able to cruise UNLOADED at a max of 75mph. i don't need the extra load capability, the old girls offers plenty. i just need the longer bed. granted i want the older truck for looks, and straightforward mechanics.

and i pretty well know that i won't exceed 10,000lbs in total (bed and trailer).

now how hard would it be to buy a 1990's f600 and put the cab of a 1959 f600 on? i know theres a lot of wiring and such...... might be over my head. me and electrical componets don't mix when their newer.

does anyone know where to get parts and a repair manual? just so i can get familiar with the layout of the vehicle.

 

As an example, one of my trucks is a 60 F600, 14 foot flatbed, 172" WB, 5 speed direct, 292MD, 6.33 / 8.83 2 speed rear, 8.25 x 20 tires. It is an easy drive at 50. At 55 it starts to be a handfull on anything but a smooth road (steering box and linkages are tight and within spec). At 60 there is a lot of sound and fury, and that is as fast as I will take it- it demands your full attention.

One thing that hinders these trucks at speeds above about 55 is the steering geometry. As manual steering was the rule, the kingpin and caster angles, and steering gear ratio were set up to make these trucks relatively easy to steer at low speeds and while parking. That works against you at speed. If you want to run up to 75 safely, you will need to swap in a recent front axle with the associated steering gear (power of course) and linkage. Then you will have to address the power issue to get up to speed.

 

Howdy All;
Interesting collection of wisdom and knowledge, thanks gentlemen. I can buy a 1960 f600, dump stake, short side bed. two speed axle. The truck 'ran when parked' is non-op. I don't know anything about it yet. It looks well used but all there. My question is whether this truck is worth $700? I don't really need the truck but like the bones.
Thanks,
Skip

 

If it is worth $700 is up to you. Is it non op due to brakes, engine, axle? depending on what is needed the $700 may be a bargain or may be something to run away from. Another thing to look at is tires and wheels, many of these trucks used a wheel design that no tire shop will touch. If it has those wheels, you will have to buy 6 replacement wheels. And tires get expensive. If it needs brake drums, they are pretty scarce, and if you can find them they can be pricey. I would say that $700 is fair if you could get it running for say a few hundred dollars. And what shape is the body in?