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Re: [oletrucks] Considering mods for hauling

To: oletrucks@autox.team.net, dave riffel <cafe_dave@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [oletrucks] Considering mods for hauling
From: Alan Gingles <agingles@nucleus.com>
Date: Mon, 23 Aug 1999 23:24:15 -0700
dave riffel wrote:
> 
> Hi all,
> 
> I'm considering a few mods for making my '50 3100 more suitable for hauling.
>   I may be occasionally hauling a 20-26 foot 5th wheel camper trailer (not
> yet procurred) over the next several years.  The truck currenlty has a 350
> small block, TH 350 tranny, '68 Camaro rear end and front disc brakes.
> 
> For an engine I'm considering the following options:  350 small block with
> TPI, 454, 502 (hee, hee!), chevy diesel, Cummins diesel.  I'm not really
> aware of the relative advantages and disadvantages of these, aside from
> obvious horsepower differences.  I'm interested in diesel, have any of you
> guys done any diesel engine swaps?
> 
> The tranny will most likely be a B&M Traveller's 400 which is intended for
> towing.
> 
> For an axle I'm not sure what to use.  I'm wondering if the Camaro 10 bolt
> can be sufficiently beefed up or if I should swap it yet again.  If I swap
> I'm wondering if I should go to a 1/2 ton truck unit, 3/4 ton, Ford 9", and
> I'm wondering if a late 70s Caddy unit would be good as they already have
> disc brakes.
> 
> For the brakes I believe a four wheel disc brake system is in order.  I
> understand that some truck rear axles with heavier drums might be good too.
> 
> For suspension I will likely install some overload springs on the rear until
> I can afford to upgrade to air bags.
> 
> Does anyone have any advise on any of these points?  I would appreciate
> hearing from anyone who uses their oletruck for heavier hauling.  Thanks a
> bunch!!  :^)
> 
> Dave Riffel

My choice would be a well built 350 with a blower. There are a number of
nice reliable little units available. The B&M system comes to mind, and
they're not overly expensive. 

Alan & Karen Gingles
1 day till the big trip!
1948 Chevy 1314
http://www.nucleus.com/~agingles
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959

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