1952b-3F152 Posted January 11, 2009 Report Posted January 11, 2009 My truck still has the original 236 in it, has not run since the late 1960's. I also found a tag on the rear end that said it had 5.62 gears. The transmission is missing. But if I restore to orginal I am guessing top speed is going to be 45-55 mph. I could regear (if parts are avalible for this 1.5 ton) to mabe a 3.73 and get to 60-65. The problem is I want a driver not a show truck. I have thought about other engine combinations mabe a 318 and a 5 speed tranny. But I really want to tow the travel trailer on the weekends. Any body know if the truck is capable of going 65-75 mph towing a 27 ft travel trailer with the original 109 hp motor? I really want to put it back like my grandfather had it but I want to have fun with it to. Quote
Dodgeb4ya Posted January 11, 2009 Report Posted January 11, 2009 The flathead will never do what you are asking. Modernize it! Bob Quote
Merle Coggins Posted January 12, 2009 Report Posted January 12, 2009 Maybe for something different, put a Cummins Diesel in it from a later model Dodge truck. Quote
1952b-3F152 Posted January 12, 2009 Author Report Posted January 12, 2009 I thought about the cummins idea but the engine is very expensive. plus I have no experience with oil burners. Thanks Jon Quote
MBF Posted January 12, 2009 Report Posted January 12, 2009 I think if you're looking to drive your truck 65-75 mph you're also going to have to do something with the steering and brakes-anything above the originally designed speed and you're going to be out of both (especially for a 1.5 ton that you want to tow with). I had originally thought of doing the same with my 1 ton, but to avoid having to re-engineer a better braking system and changing the power plant I've decided to keep it original and take the slow road. Just my 2 cents. Mike Quote
wallytoo Posted January 12, 2009 Report Posted January 12, 2009 the truck, and you, might not last long if you drive it at speeds above 55, let alone 75, and pulling a trailer. you'll need to modernize the steering, braking, and engine (meaning replace all of the systems with newer). that'll be expensive. i just take it slow, using the original equipment. i've found that 45 mph isn't too bad, and i'm not in a hurry. wally Quote
4852dodge Posted January 12, 2009 Report Posted January 12, 2009 My recomendation is to find a wrecked-salvage title newer truck and transfer the driveline and suspensions. I am looking into the same conversion for my truck. I have found several trucks locally and on line that can be used for donors(now to convince the missus). This will give you most of the parts you need including the little clips and connectors needed to wire it up. Many of the damaged trucks totaled by ins. companys are body or interior damage but minimal damage to the rest. Just check it out before you buy to make sure the parts you need are not damaged. If you have a friend at a body shop maybe you can go to the auction also. You can also try an older RV, they are usually lightly used and low miles. Even if the camper is not great you are after the running gear. Quote
austinsailor Posted January 12, 2009 Report Posted January 12, 2009 I thought about the cummins idea but the engine is very expensive. plus I have no experience with oil burners. Thanks Jon The cummins is going to be a much longer engine. It would either have to go back into the cab quite a bit, or redesign the front end and push it out. I have an older 3 ton and I also have to cummins powered dodges. I've stared several times at it with a tape measure. My 3 ton has a 5" longer engine than yours and would only fit if I left off air and the intercooler, and then would require going back into the firewall a little. It would be cool as could be, but a pretty big project. A 318 or 360 or something like that would most likely work pretty well Gene G.. Quote
1952b-3F152 Posted January 13, 2009 Author Report Posted January 13, 2009 Thanks guys, I never thought of the steering and brakes. I just thought it would be a hoot to drive my restored orginal looking truck to the lake with my rv trailer. But it was never designed for that. The other engine choice I had thought of (to avoid the steering shaft problems of a V-8) was the Ford 4.9 I-6. But the brake and steering problems would require me to take it to far from an original look. Quote
ChrisCoccia Posted January 13, 2009 Report Posted January 13, 2009 I have seen a really slick conversion of an original looking power wagon with a 4.0 liter late model Jeep straight six in it. I have a '97 Cherokee with this engine and it will run 85 mph all day long, but has enough torque to pull you right up the side of a mountain. Plus, they are plentiful and cheap. If I decide to repower my truck that is what I will look at. Quote
Big50Dodge Posted January 14, 2009 Report Posted January 14, 2009 The cummins is going to be a much longer engine. It would either have to go back into the cab quite a bit, or redesign the front end and push it out. I have an older 3 ton and I also have to cummins powered dodges. I've stared several times at it with a tape measure. My 3 ton has a 5" longer engine than yours and would only fit if I left off air and the intercooler, and then would require going back into the firewall a little. It would be cool as could be, but a pretty big project. A 318 or 360 or something like that would most likely work pretty wellGene G.. Thought of this same idea a few years ago, the 6BT will fit ok with a little messaging of the firewall - but - then you have to put a transmission behind that - shifting would be behind the driver and then your into something else for seats - it's a down hill slide. I have seen a really slick conversion of an original looking power wagon with a 4.0 liter late model Jeep straight six in it. I have a '97 Cherokee with this engine and it will run 85 mph all day long, but has enough torque to pull you right up the side of a mountain. Plus, they are plentiful and cheap. If I decide to repower my truck that is what I will look at. Is the length of the motor about the same as the original six ? If it's longer, your likely going to encounter shifting issues there too. Quote
greg g Posted January 14, 2009 Report Posted January 14, 2009 Well if yu have the 236 its a 25 inch block, which is good but the jeep engine is 30 or 31. Why not look into clipping the front end with an early Dodge Dakota Clip. They you get modern steering, suspension and brakes. You get a frame that will accept any mopar engine from the 3.9 V6 (A good choice for cruising and occasional towing) to the magnum series V8 engines. If you get the right donor truck, the rear end will likely bolt onto the old springs without a lot of fabrication. Then you can upgrade to rear discs if you want to. Tim Adams on the car side has done a couple Dakota clips for cars and might be able to give you some tips if you consider this type of modification. You might PM him with questions. Carlie Ackers (old daddy, rustyhope is his website) makes disc brake adapters for the early Dodge Trucks. Quote
Merle Coggins Posted January 14, 2009 Report Posted January 14, 2009 A Dakota clip may be a bit light. This is a 1 1/2 ton truck. Probably the best way to modernize it would be to find a comparable late model Kodiac or F650 that has been wrecked but still has a decent chassis/powertrain and graft the Dodge sheet metal onto it. But that's a big project too. Merle Quote
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