mvance1944

Thanks to everyone with your comments. The only difference that I see is the king pin holes in the 1950 front axel are smaller in diameter than the '53 front axel. I guess that I could ream the holes out to fit the '53 king pins and spindles. Any suggestions on what to do? Thanks!

Is the front axel inter changeable on B series p/u's? I have an axel off a 1950 B series truck that I would like to install on my '53 B truck Thanks

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to respond!

I need to replace a leaking head gasket on my 1952 B3B 1/2 ton p/u. Do I mount the new gasket dry or spray it with a sealer? Some people say put it on dry, others say coat it first. Who's right? Thanks

Thanks Jim for the Allpar website. By the way, I have a '52 B3B 1/2 ton truck and live in the Dallas area (Grapevine). Lets get in touch. mvvance@verizon.net Mike

I am about to install Charlie Aker's disc brake kit on my '52 Dodge 1/2 P/U, and I want to replace the old king pins and bushing first. Having never removed the spindles or king pins and the bushings before, I would appreciate any advice on how to do it, or problems that I might encounter. I know that many of you in the Forum have experience doing this and I would appreciate your input. Thanks Mike

I THINK I HAVE THE M/C UNDER CONTROL, THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO REPLIED TO MY POSTING ABOUT HOT ENGINE-HOT BRAKES. I STILL HAVE TO PUMP UP MY BRAKES, SO I ASSUME THAT THE PROBLEM IS AIR IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM, ALSO, WHEN YOU FINISH MAKING THE 'MAJOR' AND " MINOR" BRAKE SHOE ADJUSTMENT, SHOULD THE BRAKE DRUM TURN WITH NO RESISTANCE OR SHOULD THERE BE SOME DRAG IF ADJUSTED PROPERLY.? thank you everone for the help. Mike

I have just 50 miles on my fresh restoration of my '52 dodge B3B p/u. As the engine temp. warms up, so does the brake fluid in the master cylinder which causes the brakes to lock up and all the free travel in the brake pedal disapears. The brake light comes on and stays on until the brake fluid cools down. I keep adjusting the brake piston rod between the master cylinder and brake pedal hoping to solve the problem. The master cylinder, brake cylinders and brake shoes are all new. My question is, is this a normal condition, and am I doing the right thing to correct the problem, or do I have a problem somewhere in the brake system that needs to be corrected? I don't know much about this type of brake system so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks guys! Mike V.

Charlie, I would like to purchase a kit for my 1952 dodge 1/2 ton pickup if they are still avail. Please let me know. Thanks. Mike Vance mvvance@verizon.net

I'm replacing the front and rear brake drums. 10 inch fronts, 11 inch rears. Could someone tell me what the mic. limits are on the drums before they are out of specs. and unusable. I can't find it in the overhaul manual for my B3B. Thanks, Mike

I really need some help. I just finished restoring my '52 dodge 1/2 ton P/U (seven year project) only to find out that I have no brakes on the right rear wheel. The brake drum is completely out of limits. I put on new brake shoes and did a major and minor adjustment per the truck manual, but the drum is completely unusable. I need a right hub and drum to get the truck on the road. So far I have only found a 12 inch hub and drum, but my truck (B3B) takes an 11 inch drum. Can anybody help? I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks, MIke (817) 946-1180 mvvance@verizon.net

The restoration on my 1952 Dodge 1/2 ton P/U is just about complete, but I have found out that the brake drums are not serviceable and worn out causing the new brake cylinders to leak. Its a real delima. neither Roberts or Vintage Power Wagons have anything available. Does anyone have or know of a source for brake drums for my truck or a possible fix.? I would appreciate any help. Thanks, Mike

Thanks for the info. it's probably a 251. Mike

I bought a Dodge B3B 1/2 ton p/u from the original owner. He replaced the original engine with what I believe to be a Chrysler commercial flathead six. He has since pasted away and I'm trying to identify the engine as to its size. The I.D. number on the left front top of the block is C-I-11915. The casting No. on the crankshaft is 1138129-1 and the rods are numbered 954428. The head measures 25 3/8 in by 7 3/8 ins. Does anyone reconize these numbers and tell me about the engine? Thanks, Mike mvvance@verizon.net