New engine for a B-3GA152

[jameshunziker]

I am getting ready to start converting my "field ornament" (as my wife calls it) into a travel vehicle. The first order of business is get a larger engine into it (the old one is "dead" and was too small with a load on anyway).

What engine would work the best? Should I consider deisel? Should I consider replacing both the engine and transmission? Currently, the truck has the original 5 speed tranny and 2 speed rear end.

Is there a thread that already addresses this? (If so, I didn't look far enough.)

Thanks.

-Jim

[wayfarer]

...the Cummins 4BT fits in alot of 'smaller' spaces and runs real hard...

Check into the forums at this site: http://www.powerwagonadvertiser.com/

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[lugnut123]

I'd vote for the cummins 4BT. You mite can find one ina old bread delivery truck . The 4BT was mated up alot of times with a automatic tranny. I have an ongoing project putting a cummins 6AT3.4 in 55 chevy. It's smaller than the dodge 1 ton type cummins but will mate to a chevy bellhousing. It came out of a UPS truck . Had to cut the firewall to get it to fit. good luck

[MBF]

Jim-if you go the diesel route, you're probably going to have to do something with the rear end too. Those old rears were geared low to allow the flathead to handle a good load. I had that same 5&2 setup in a 39 Dodge Dump. The extra gears were low-she topped out at about 45, but could almost pull a barn in low low. Mike

[jameshunziker]

Thank you all for the information. I don't know if I am ready to do the rear end as well (if I switch to a diesel), although if I could do the entire drive train with a diesel engine (and an automatic) it might be worth while. From everyone's experience, is it worthwhile switching to diesel?

If I go with just replacing the engine with anolther gas engine (and keeping everything else the same), any suggestions?

Thank you.

Jim

[MBF]

Well-since you asked-if you build something that will run 55-60 mph on a steady basis-I think you're also going to need to do something with the steering and single loop brake system. These trucks weren't designed to handle those speeds. I left mine original. She's kinda slow w the 3.89 rear but I'm not past the limits of my steering or brakes. ... just my opinion.