Questions about a 56 truck

Instrument 37 · February 5, 2002

After numerous 72 truck, suburbans, and jimmys I have found a 56 that I really want. Good deal for the amount of work it needs. Absolutly no experience with these trucks. Are there suspension swaps availbale from other trucks that don't require any fabrication? It has the original 6 in the truck but I would like to install a V8 with Automatic, wife will be driving it, if I do this can I use the same rear end? If so would the drive shaft need to be altered? Not looking to hot rod it, been there done that. Just want a simple but very clean truck with V8 and Auto. Any experience from anyone that has tackled this sort of project would be appreciated, on any aspect of this truck.

Colorado Kid · February 7, 2002

OH MY!

Understand that I have done the '70 C-10 and a couple of '57 Chevy cars, so I don't know all there is to know about the '56 truck, but I do know some...

Are there suspension swaps availbale from other trucks that don't require any fabrication?

No. You may have noticed that there is an iron solid front axle under there. Front suspension/steering/brakes from late 60's/early 70's Nova or Chevelle has been done, but it's a BIG project. You will also notice that the original setup has a single (as in not split) master cylinder and surprisingly narrow front drum brakes. Unless you take the cap off and look in the 2 tablespoon reservoiur, probably the first symtem you'll have a a brake fluid leak is a complete absence of brakes. Each of my '57's has done this to me once. Brake system improvements are a high priority if someone unlikely to notice a little brake fluid under the truck will be driving it.

I would like to install a V8 with Automatic, wife will be driving it, if I do this can I use the same rear end? If so would the drive shaft need to be altered?

Some of these trucks came with a V-8 and Automatic (the good news) The V-8 was the 265 (more good news, any small block is pretty easy). Unfortunately the automatic was the original, the 4-speed, fluid coupling (not torque-converter) Hydramatic. You will not find one of those laying around in working order. I have no idea about the drive shaft, but that is a pretty minor problem unless you live on another planet. The rear-end should do fine if your wife is not a drag racer, it was absolutely bullet proof in stock drivetrains, but is not as robust as a 12-bolt.

My guess is that there is probably an internet club devoted to these old trucks...I know there some stuff for them available through Classic Chevies International.

Good luck. Personally I'm done doing projects as involved as that one, but there was a time I'd have enjoyed it.

95 Silverado · February 9, 2002

Go to http://www.stovebolts.com this sight is all about old chevy trucks, hot rods, restored antiques and everything in between, they have a message board where you can get answers to your questions. there are lots of kits available for different swaps but most require fabrication of some sort.

ClipperSkipper · March 10, 2002

This link will work much better.

http://www.stovebolt.com/truck/index.htm

mikeb · March 10, 2002

A few years ago the standard answer would have been the torch the front end off at the fire wall and install a clip, but over the last couple of years aftermarket manufacturers have come up with a lot more options. They have weld on and bolt on front suspension kits. Lets you convert to independent suspension and disc brakes. Pick up a copy of Classic truck magazine, lots of advertisers. Never really liked the idea of torching off the front end of my truck. The engine/trans swap sould be no big deal, you can order a varity of different mounts. Drive shaft will have to be cut and rebalanced.