The "Hulk": Ugly green truck to Juneau??

[KRB64]

I'm not denying that the front springs aren't tired. I'm just saying they may not be sagging as much as you think. I think they are pretty flat from the factory. A new set with a good shock could do wonders, especially if that road is still bad or frost heaving has sections torn up.

DODGEBOYS might know/remember spring arch.

[oldndcctrucks]

These springs are just about at a negative arch; can’t see how I would be able to study a stock set that isn’t 45 years old...?

Swaybar disconnects are an option; will probably install them if I install a sway bar.

The slide-in will not likely be pop-up, for rain protection.

[KRB64]

I didn't think the 360 would make much of a difference. I have heard of folks using 360 intakes or heads on a 318 but not sure what/how much that does either.
Have you measured the front springs to compare to stock? The fronts are pretty flat to begin with.

Air bags may be all you need depending on total weight? Wonder if you can install a sway bar that disconnects (heard of them but no idea of the engineering...)? Is the slide-in a popup?

[oldndcctrucks]

Thanks KRB64 for the thoughts and musings!

The registration and insurance are now current, so as soon as I get the wheels, tires, and rear brakes done I will start driving it and see what condition the engine is in.

As to air bags/sway, I will be installing new shocks all around, installing leveling air bags, and am considering an anti-sway bar for the rear axle. How the Hulk handles with just new shocks will determine that. Have to keep in mind that sway bars reduce off-road traction on uneven ground...

I will also be adding a leaf to each side front spring packs as they are pretty flat.

A Brownie box would be a neat feature, giving me 8 gears forward instead of 4, but may be too expensive/time-consuming for this evolution.

According to itstillruns.com, the 318 produces 230 hp and 340 ft-lbs; the 360 produces 255 hp and 360 ft-lbs before 1972 (after which Chrysler detuned the 360 to 175 hp for emissions!).

Staying stock, this swap is not worth it to me.

[KRB64]

By the way, you got me into the mechanical rut at the start but I think your journey is epic. I hope the family gets excited about. It will be a great time of bonding, beautiful sites and tons of stories. Memories for a lifetime.

I've wanted to go to Alaska since highschool. My best friend's daughter (22yo) just drove there by herself in an F150 pulling a trailer! I know my kids would love it but they grew up on a farm and tent camping in the cold etc.

I'm hoping your dream comes true and am happy to help in the prep!

[KRB64]

I thought '74 was the golden year: disc brakes, divorced transfer, lockout hubs, etc.

My OEM 318 has well over 100K on it and it is tired. I remember my dad's '68 wagon with a 318 would lite the tires though. I've never had a fresh built one or one with upgrades like a cam, carb, etc. It could be done. Having said that, the old slant six (had one of those too) powered ton and bigger trucks but that was with gearing and top speed was low.

Which reminds me, speaking of the slant-6, hey Bucky, did you see that '70 W500 on the well known on-line auction site?

But I digress. Maybe an under or over drive unit? I'm sure someone has experience and can chime in using a stock or mildly modified 318 to get the job done. A 360 should be a direct swap but not sure you'd gain much really?

What about bags in the rear or something to help with sway?

[oldndcctrucks]

This ‘73 has front drums... the factory manuals seem to indicate that front disc brakes were available in ‘74.

Yours makes two votes for the 318 not being adequate, with no opposition. I am not looking forward to an engine swap, but will have to keep an open mind to it.

I will hopefully have the truck ready for load-testing within a few months, including renting a slide-in camper. At that time we will see if a different engine is called for. We have several mountain passes here, including Cajon and Tehachapi, which will be more than adequate for testing.

The idea here is to have a field-repairable truck, so a diesel doesn’t fit that; I would not want to disassemble an injection pump on a tailgate. I DO LIKE the idea of a nice Cummins under the hood!

I don’t know yet what my differential ratios are yet.

[712edf]

Yes a 73 would still have front drums.

Bucky

[KRB64]

Sweet find! I still kick myself for passing over one just like that at a government auction years ago...

We've hauled a lot of trucks on a bumper pull and learned real quick to block the rear of the trailer AND sometimes chock the wheels on the tow truck.

Does '73 still have the front drums?

My guess is the 318 might not be up to it unless you change the gearing? But then mileage would suffer - or can it get any worse? But good idea to rent (didn't know you could do that) a slide-in and see. Will you actually load it down and camp for a few days in it?

IMHO, the ideal thing would be a 6BT swap. But that gets a little more complicated...

Thanks for sharing!

[Matthew Welcher PWA]

The under hood fire, we have all had at least one of these. I am glad that it didn't get worse than that.

[Matthew Welcher PWA]

112.00 and the adventure included. This kind of adventure is priceless. Keep us up to date as this continues. Thank you

[oldndcctrucks]

Thanks!
I am a bit concerned with the engine I have, so I’m planning to get the maintenance done and then rent a slide-in and try it. If it’s too weak, I should have enough time to swap in a bigger engine.

[Chewie]

Officially subscribed. I bought my crew cab with the intention of building it up into a vacation cruiser. I was going the Cummins route with an AOD and a 205. Then it became my daily driver. The 318 is adequate, but I wouldn't load it down too much or pull anything heavy.

[oldndcctrucks]

Yes, ‘73 with a ‘77(?) grille... The engine is a 318; I saw the number on the block.

My friend wanted to keep the tire cost low (5 tires and rims) so we got Chinese. Go figure.

[712edf]

So that was a NEW tire? Didn't last long.

Is your truck a 73? Does it still have the 205?

Bucky