Strandrunner

Thank you. Appreciate it. I have a truck. 3 on the tree and flathead 6. It leaks oil really bad. Is it worth paying a mechanic to change out the rope seal between the engine and the trans? He quoted me $400. How can I tell what rear end I have?

Seal, I would not pay that but it is a fair profession expense. Rear ratio: Jack up one rear wheel so you can turn it by hand; put a chalk / tape mark on the U Joint and on the tire, put both marks at 6:00 o'clock, easy to see; now slowly turn the wheel one revolution and count how many revolutions the U joint makes. 

The marks are your finish line. Your ratio will likely be 4:11 or 3:73.

i really like the patina and the signage and the '56 model. I would clean that exterior with lacquer thinner, then clean it further with 600 then 800 grit wet sand. Finally I would professionally put 4-6 coats of semigloss clear, let that cure 60+ days and then buff it out. Do one area inside the bed for your test. You will be amazed at the results.

i wish you well.

William is way off on his numbers, way off, I got a 97 Cherokee rear axle, brakes and all for $300.00. Front discs for $400,, refresh engine, i.e. Complete valve job for $110.00, fuel pump for $15.00, water pump for $125.00, rebuilt the carb myself, manifolds do Not wear out, battery $90.00, what else is there? 5K ???? Not me. 

I could continue but won't. A lot of hobbiests are totally unrealistic. Parts are everywhere, easy to find. 

You are in Thousand Oaks, I'm south of Fresno, not in NY. Drive up and let's have a chat. 

Paul