Looking for 37 1 1/2 ton upgrades
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Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 3,447
Likes: 1
From: Littleton, CO
Looking for 37 1 1/2 ton upgrades
Hey gang!
I would like some input from the folks here on what updates were made in the process of restoring/rebuilding their 1.5 tons. We managed to grab my Great-Grandfather's truck off the farm and now dad has a project (since my 65 is still in pieces, I'm busy). Is there anyone that swapped over the body to something newer? We want to keep the big truck feel and will go with a nice stake bed.
Thanks all, --Mike
I would like some input from the folks here on what updates were made in the process of restoring/rebuilding their 1.5 tons. We managed to grab my Great-Grandfather's truck off the farm and now dad has a project (since my 65 is still in pieces, I'm busy). Is there anyone that swapped over the body to something newer? We want to keep the big truck feel and will go with a nice stake bed.
Thanks all, --Mike
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,104
Likes: 138
From: Orcas Island Wa.
1 1/2 ton upgrades
Hi, I am just finishing up a 40 1 1/2 ton. I installed a 302 and a T-18 4 sp.It also has power brakes (just the master cyl and booster) from a 77 E 350 van.I used the pendullum mounted pedals from the 70 engine donor truck. I still need to rebuild the steering as it is prone to wander.So far it has been very sucessful.These trucks have a great frame,large brakes,which I totally rebuilt and from my long experience with them, steer and handle well.....okay, not like my 02 F 350 !The 40 looks completely stock if you dont look under the hood. The engine was a very nice fit, as was the trans.Shifter came thru the floor in almost the exact same spot....Good luck, GB
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,643
Likes: 35
From: Orange County, CA
Your '37 has mechanical brakes, so that really should be one of the first upgrades you make after deciding on the power plant, and how you will use the truck. In high school our auto shop teacher bough a '38 1.5 ton stake in for use to work on. It was a pretty nice truck #3 condition. We replaced the mechanical brakes with ones from a '42 1.5 ton. Pretty easy to do, we just swapped the parts to the stock I-beam along with new king pins. Of course, you will still have to add the hydraulic brakes to the rear. I'd say keep the stock frame if is in good shape. It can really turn to a big nightmare doing frame swaps. So many projects are abandoned when something like a frame swap gets to be too much trouble.
BTW, that same '38 1.5 ton now has an independant front end, a BBC, and wide Mickey Thompson tires on the rear.
BTW, that same '38 1.5 ton now has an independant front end, a BBC, and wide Mickey Thompson tires on the rear.
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