Hello all, Just saved my dad's old 46 1/2 ton from the shed falling in on it. It's been parked in there since 1976. This is definitely a project but one thing I know it needs is a motor, the 120 mile trip to the farm in 1976 took 3 stops for oil! Quick question on motors. The current engine is a 58A-B. It's my understanding is that block has the cast bell housing. Is an 8BA motor with a bolt on bell housing a drop in replacement? Thanks

 

Not a drop in replacement but pretty straight forward. You'll need a 1/2 bell housing, either a cast iron one from a truck or a stamped steel one from a Mercury. If you use the Merc housing you can't use an 11 inch clutch. You'll also need 8rt truck pumps which are wide belt. If the 8ba engine you want to use is from a car you'll need to change the crank pulley, generator pulley and fan assembly to wide belts. Not sure about the pan, you may need to use a rear sump truck pan. I'm sure there other issues that others will bring up. I'm running an 8ba in my '39 p/u and have no issues. Also put an 8ba in a '40 1 1/2 ton truck I used to own and again no issues. Good luck with your truck.

 

That looks like a great truck to restore. Be careful, these trucks can become addictive but a few more for parts is always a good thing. I agree about the 8ba engine. Another minor detail is different size top radiator hoses which can be remedied by a sleeve of hose on the head's water outlets, creating a 'larger' outlet. Keep us posted with your progress!

 

Nice score!! Looks like the shed and the truck had the same painter,lol.

 

Welcome to the affliction. Nice project.

 

I have a 1/2 ton front clip with that same light silver-blue paint job and trimmed with white instead of tacoma cream. Factory color scheme?