New to PH forum, need help/advice-'49 b-1-D

[justinkelderdc]

Hello folks,

I am new to PH forum as well as new to the world of classic trucks. I have a '49 B-1-D that I'm crazy about, with one exception, highway speeds. I would like to do a rear end swap (and likely a front end swap) for something that would give me the ability to travel 55-60 mph comfortably. I have read the following thread:

http://www430.pair.com/p15d24/mopar_forum/showthread.php?t=33309&highlight=rear

in which a Dana 35 with 3.55 ratios from a Jeep Grand Cherokee was used, could that be a suitable option for my truck? Thanks! Justin

[B1B Keven]

Welcome and yes.

[justinkelderdc]

Thanks Kevin. Any suggestions for how to approach the front end?

[Dave72dt]

Best minimum suggestion for the front is a disc brake conversion. One of the members here makes a conversion. You'll need to verify it'll fit on your 1 ton. You'll also want to match front and rear bolt patterns. The Cherokees came with a couple different patterns for mounting wheels.

From that point you could go several different routes with suspension swaps to frame swaps. Depends on how simple or exotic you want to get.

[Frank Ollian]

Your B1D is a one ton, the light duty Dana 35 is more like a 1/2 ton axle and may look out of place on your one ton.

[MBF]

I've got a B1D myself with the 4.3 rears. Its my understanding that the highest ratio made for this dually was a 3.9. I can run comfortably at an indicated 45 (GPS says 47) with my 4.3. She'll do more, but that is what I feel comfortable with. Doing simple math the 3.9 would give you about 10% higher road speeds and if you can find a good center section you can do the swap in less than an hour. If you're looking to keep the 6 lug Budd rims I don't think a hub/rotor assembly is available in that bolt pattern for disk brakes. One could probably be made but they you've got to address the issues of clearance between the caliper assembly and the inside of the Budd rim. The Wagoneer axle doesn't have the 6 lug pattern you need or offer a dually capability. If you're going to keep it a 1 ton with the wheels you've got, your options are somewhat limited. I had thought about converting mine to a 5 lug 3/4 ton setup, but it wouldn't look right. I've learned to appreciate it for what it is and drive it whenever I can. Mike

[Jeff Balazs]

Hello folks,

I am new to PH forum as well as new to the world of classic trucks. I have a '49 B-1-D that I'm crazy about, with one exception, highway speeds. I would like to do a rear end swap (and likely a front end swap) for something that would give me the ability to travel 55-60 mph comfortably. I have read the following thread:

http://www430.pair.com/p15d24/mopar_forum/showthread.php?t=33309&highlight=rear

in which a Dana 35 with 3.55 ratios from a Jeep Grand Cherokee was used, could that be a suitable option for my truck? Thanks! Justin

Welcome to the forum Justin

I am just finishing up a conversion on my B-3-C 116" 3/4 ton with the high side bed. Dana 35 3.55 ratio with 12" disc's and 11" Volare disc;s on the front with stock 15" wheels all around. I have done this so that this truck can be used as my daily driver here in Southern California and still look fairly original. Keeping up with traffic and stopping well is just is not an option here.

I am all for originality wherever and whenever possible. You haven't said if your truck has the standard 9' bed but if it does I think it might be possible to do these swaps and get it to look fairly correct. If there was one thing I could change about my truck it would be to go to 126" wheelbase and the longer bed. Sort of a long wb 3/4 ton look if you will? Dodge may have even offered this as an option? Now I know that this conversion suggestion may not set well with others but I think it could work well depending on how and where you intend to use the truck.

Jeff

[ggdad1951]

welcome! Pictures?