1949 Chevrolet 4400 Questions

[andsonsvd]

hey everyone from Down under.

I have also posted these questions on stovebolt under the "Bigbolt" section but hoping for some advice:

I received an exciting package from the USA the other day with my new door hinges in it and they don't seem to fit is there a difference between 1/2 ton and bigger trucks? or is it because mines a RHD??

Also I have a nice 58 Fleetside that has a factory 3 speed and 235 6 in it. Will this engine trans combo rub the 4400 dually ok? ive build a new SBC for the big bolt but im thinking of swapping this engine for the 58's as it will handle the power a bit better??

Thanks Shane

[andsonsvd]

Bump!! Please help!!

[andsonsvd]

Tonight while eagerly awaiting a response from the vast knowledge base that is this forum i was surfing the web just looking at trucks which I do alot and i happen to stumble across the original ad for my truck when it was purchased in the US, not by me though. and knowing how much you all love pics and videos I thought posting the link might help everyone with helping me with my trucks. this is obviously the 58 im thinking of removing the 6cyl and putting in the new SBC and using this engine for the big bolt if it will be ok. I dont think ill be wanting to go to fast with the stock diff and duallys anyway so I think the SBC would be a waste in it.

http://www.streetsideclassics.com/sh...inclassics.php

Thanks Shane

[OrrieG]

I found this table in the 49 spec manual (see link below). You can see the 4000 series came with a very low rearend that when coupled with the low geared 4 speed allowed the original 6 to work just fine. Not fast but lots of torque multiplication. If you are not going to be hauling the loads you could change the ratio to get more highway speed.
http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com...resto/4973.htm

[andsonsvd]

Thanks OrrieG,

Do you think the original 3100 3 speed would be capable?

Im not going to be carrying load or racing it so I just want a low speed cruiser.

I wonder is there someone in australia that could change the diff ratio to suit a higher speed ??

Shane

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by andsonsvd

Thanks OrrieG,

Do you think the original 3100 3 speed would be capable?

Im not going to be carrying load or racing it so I just want a low speed cruiser.

I wonder is there someone in australia that could change the diff ratio to suit a higher speed ??

Shane

I would be suspect, I replaced my stock 3 speed with a 4 speed when I started crawling around the hills with my 6 cyl engine, I burned up the clutch because I did not have the low enough gear to get the truck + 800# camper moving on grades. You might have the same problem because of the trucks weight (assuming you are using the 4400 frame and axles).

[andsonsvd]

Thats OrrieG,

What about converting it to an Auto maybe t400 or t700??

is there somewhere that could sort a different diff ratio to suit this combo for highway driving, im having trouble here in australia.

thanks Again

Shane

[OrrieG]

If the auto is overdriven than you can compensate for the low rear end. Just calculate the od ratio (say .70) times the rearend (5.13 as and example) to find that it would be the same as a 3.59 rearend with 1:1 three speed auto. You could get it built with commercial or racing parts to beef it up.