I don't know whether I got this right or not, but I read in the start of this thread that it was a 1947 Truck in question. If so it would have the 8 bolt wheel pattern if it were a 3/4ton.
Should this be the case the Later ford truck rims will fit that are the 8 stud type, but you have to make sure there Ford, so they will fir over the rear axle center.
Now my 1980 3/40 ton did not have the floating axle, so Che, Dodge , and Ford 8 Stud rims will fit.
As far as fuel mileage goes you can get a 3.54 diff in a 9 inch or take your pick of the wide assortment available. A guy I know runs a stock 239 Flathead, stock 3 speed tranny, with a 9 inch rear, and has 3.25 gears and loves it.
To add to the 3/4 ton 8 bolt pattern you can now get the 16 inch tires, but keep the fronts narrow, as wide radials are hard on a stock steering box, hope this may help a little, good luck, and stay Flat.

 

The '47 1 tons use a 5 lug bolt pattern, 5 on 6.5, so wheel choices are pretty limited. On my '47 1 ton I decided to go with a 351W and auto trans and swap to front disc brakes and a 9" inch rear since my truck will be used for towing.

 

I have a set (6) of these steel wheels on a 60 Ford 1-ton wrecker if anybody needs then or needs the brake drums. It is dark out there now,but IF I remember correctly,they are 16 inch wheels and tires.

 

Hey man,
I have a 47' one ton that im gettin ready to restore, im not going to use the flat 8 that was in it even though i have all the parts to reuse the engine, it came stock with 100 Hp and 160 lb's of torque, im a rodder not a stocker so for me im going with a small block 302 probably going to bore it out 30 over and put a radical cam in it, i want that baby to rumble!!

 

I have a '47 1/2 ton that had a 350 in it when I got it. It would not have been my choice but it works well. I did the ECI disc conversion with a vette master & 7" booster under the floor using the original peddles. I fabricated a remote reservoir, a must for this configuration, out of a 4 oz PVC glue can & AN fittings. For a daily driver this is probably the first thing I would do. The 12v change is not difficult and also a good choice for a daily driver.
The one problem I have had was cooling with the engine driven fan. I had to add an electric fan which made a huge difference in operating temperatures.

 

I have a 47 one ton that I am rebuilding the flathead for. If i was going to do an engine swap I would put the 300/6 in it. It will fit has tons of torque and runs forever. also lots aftermarket parts availible. everyone opts for a 302/351 more fun to be different.

 

I have a 1956 Ford 292 in my 46. It may be a unique combination, as I've never seen or heard of another one.

 

the only thing is frty7ford, you can't get a very big rumble out of a straight 6 there awesome engines for working but if your going to restore a 47,52 or whatever it is, if its going to be a rod then you have to atleast go smallblock. well thats my two cents!

Joel
94' grandprix dynomax exhaust
77' f150 with 351m
47' ford (in process of restoring)

 

77 peacemaker you could be right about the rumble but I am not worring about it as i am going to keep the flathead

 

flatties are good engines but pricy but napa and carquest both can order parts for them its up to you if you want original or modern and what you driving you want to do ive built them both ways. my cousin restored a 34 v 8 pickup to original drove from here in colorado to florida with a trailer and brought a model t back with no problems at all but he did carry spare parts because they are not stocked on the shelf at your local parts store

 

Mike how much trouble was it putting the 292 in(motor mounts etc) I have a 272 i am wanting to put in my 1947 1/2 ton. Thanks Steve

 

Actually it was a big hassle I would not recommend. You have to find an old 1954 Hurst front motor mount adapter, and then adapt it. Dual exhaust on the narrow frame is trouble unless you install a front clip. Oil filter is very difficult unless front clip is in place. Trans choices are a problem unless expensive adapters are used. Y's are generally expensive to rebuild. And heavy unless a lot of money is thrown their way. The front of the frame likely will need to be modified for use of an aftermarket aluminum radiator. etc., etc,.

Go 302 or 351.

 

For my 47 Panel truck, My non scientific hypotheses for my build is use a great running 53 Flatty, speedway trans adapter, 5 speed T-5, 93 Explorer rearend, front disc conversion for 4 wheel disk. once running gear done will see how she goes down the road...

 

The flathead was long gone when I got my truck. It had a '57 392 hemi installed in it back in the 60's (my friends dad was the original builder). Not sure what his motives were, but I am a hemi guy and I love it. When I got it - it had stock brakes, rear axle, steering, etc. It was NOT very user friendly AND I had plans on towing with it so over the years - I added a bigger radiator - front power disc brakes - 9" rear - Saginaw power steering box - gear reduction starter - alternator - rebuilt trans - and more, BUT!!!!! most importantly to me - the truck looks the same as the day I got it - interior looks the same - 60's hot rod (SW gauges) but still retains stock wheel - pedals - etc. All the changes made it safer to drive, but the one that made it a PLEASURE to drive was the PS box! To me these mods are the perfect blend of old and new (well newer) and practicality - for MY needs. Theres' the rub - what are your plans for using the truck - that will guide you IMHO. I've had a guy that was so upset Ihad a Hemi in my truck he offered to give me a good flatty on the promise I'd put it in - I said thanks but no way - I tow in the mountains with this thing!!!!