modern motor/tranny in a 1/2 ton WC info

[kz1000]

I have 4, 41-42 1/2 ton WC closed cab pick ups in various stages, 1 is missing the motor and transmission and I am searching for options of modern engines tranny's that may work with the original transfer case and axles. 1 option I have investigated is swapping the body onto a newer chassis but would rather keep it on the original chassis.
Has anyone completed this swap or have a link where 1 was done for reference. Thank you.

[Desoto61]

Lots of people doing similar things, maybe not on the 1/2 ton as much as the more common heavier Power Wagon/M37 setups.

First question is always what you want out of this resto-mod? If you really want modern vehicle performance with the looks of your truck the frame swap (IMO) is the best way to go. Otherwise there are LOTS of threads on here on conversions, but I couldn't find one on that type of vehicle specifically.

[kz1000]

Thank you, that is what I was finding, several threads on the M37 and 3/4 ton power wagons but nothing specific to the 1/2 ton. I know many have done it and I was looking for pros and cons.
This truck is a project with my 15 year old, it will be his driver so yes power steering/brakes will be a must, kids today would not know how to handle manual steering and brakes.
I recently completed a 1940 chevy coupe from original to street rod so I am not going into this blind, I know what is involved either way I go.
Hoping for some tips on Chassis choice or motor/tranny choice.

[Desoto61]

I really tend to lean toward the new chassis method unless you're very set on originality. There will be no bolt-up kits for a lot of this stuff, I think the 1/2 ton is less supported for the conversion parts then the 3/4-1 ton stuff. Considering none of the running gear was meant for modern road speeds, that means either engineering your own setup.

My biggest issue with that is that as a driver for a young kid, buying a modern truck chassis and fitting the body to it will never look quite right, but will make it cheaper and easier to find the parts and get things repaired vice piecing a setup together from whatever fits. Probably cheaper in the long run since you can just find a used or wrecked vehicle with everything you need vice trying to buy everything piecemeal.

Not real familiar with the dimensions on those vehicles, but a compact or maybe small full-size truck would probably be about right.

[bobyepsr]

There was a 2WD truck on a modern 4x4 chassis in Iowa a year ago. If I remember right it is on an S10 chassis. It had the S10 dash with the air and all. It sure fit well. Our PW front fenders wouldn't hide the independent front suspension as well as the 2wd does. Maybe the owner will see this and give you details. It was red and was a nice hot rod. I can't get my picture of it to attach. Jim

[kz1000]

A Dodge Dakota is the "right size" but I don't think I'll get the suspension lift needed to make the truck look right.
I think what I want/need is a short bed, 1/2 ton, full size pickup, preferably pre-1988 with leaf spring front and rear. the WC just won't look right sitting to low, and body lifts are not the right way to go. your right about trying to hide the front suspension so that is why I want leaf spring front.

[Kevin in Ohio]

After mapping out over 15 different frames from 3 manufacturers, a late 70's Chevy was the best of any of them. I wanted Dodge but they all had some pretty big issues.



I took 13 1/2 inches out of the center of the frame and it was straight where the cut needed to be so that worked out perfect. My goal was to have basically none of the frame and such visable when looking from the side. In ways this frame actually fits/looks better to me than the stock one. WAY stronger too.



I went with the same axle placement and centerlines as stock. No body lift but I did get 6 inch lift springs.



Mine has a little skateboard look but it's because of the width of the tires. Front isn't the problem, it's the bed width in the rear. I didn't want to put in wheel wells. Some on here have seen the truck at Iowa and such and to me anyway, it looks like it fits pretty well. Five lug wheels would have been nice but with 8 lug you have a LOT of options. If you are planning on bigger tires and bigger motor, your stock axles are going to be a little on the weak side. Don't forget your brakes too.

Here's a link to the build of mine if you have some time to kill ;)

http://imageevent.com/kevininohio?n=0

[kz1000]

Thank you, I did find your build thread a while back when I was looking and have it saved and look at it often with awe. I have been looking at late 70's chevys because of the "homework" you already did. did you use a 1/2 ton shortbed or 3/4 ton 8' bed frame?

For the time being we are building a stock 41 closed cab because of all the original parts we have, The modified will be the next project, My son just started at a trade school in the welding dept.

Thanks again and I do hope to be able to see your truck in person someday, It does show up everytime I google 41 dodge.

[Kevin in Ohio]

78 Chevy 4x4 1 ton long bed frame. Dana 60 front axle with corporate 14 bolt with 10 1/2" ring gear. Had 4:56 gears from the factory. I did reindex the rear end as I just went ahead and got a CV rear driveshaft. I drove that Chevy as a work truck and the rear axle was bent too much to save. 4 ton over plowed ground will do that!

[60pwrwgn]

After mapping out over 15 different frames from 3 manufacturers, a late 70's Chevy was the best of any of them. I wanted Dodge but they all had some pretty big issues.



I took 13 1/2 inches out of the center of the frame and it was straight where the cut needed to be so that worked out perfect. My goal was to have basically none of the frame and such visable when looking from the side. In ways this frame actually fits/looks better to me than the stock one. WAY stronger too.



I went with the same axle placement and centerlines as stock. No body lift but I did get 6 inch lift springs.



Mine has a little skateboard look but it's because of the width of the tires. Front isn't the problem, it's the bed width in the rear. I didn't want to put in wheel wells. Some on here have seen the truck at Iowa and such and to me anyway, it looks like it fits pretty well. Five lug wheels would have been nice but with 8 lug you have a LOT of options. If you are planning on bigger tires and bigger motor, your stock axles are going to be a little on the weak side. Don't forget your brakes too.

Here's a link to the build of mine if you have some time to kill ;)

http://imageevent.com/kevininohio?n=0

This sure is a beautiful truck !

[Jalopytech]

I too would like to compliment you on your workmanship, enjoy your builds.