[mike nixon]

is the tranny a granny gear unit or a car type? if it's a granny unit it's probably a new process [ it could be a rockwell but not likely]

either way the drive shaft will be shortened with the auto. i'd put a 400th in it if you can locate one. the frame will have mount holes for the crossmember in it for this application.

89 octane fuel should run the engine if you're just going to drive it and not pull much.

personally i'd rebuild the engine that's in the truck if it's the origional one. the "heavy casting" [ pre 77 ] small blocks are getting hard to find, at least around here.

the preformer pkg from eldebrock gets good economy and power when used with a 600cfm carb in your application.

add a set of headers and 2 1/4 or 2 1/2" duals with a good flowing mufflers and you'll be pleased with the economy.if you plan to pull a trailer or have a sliding rear window turn the tailpipes out the side.

if you're looking for economy check the rear end ratio as a lot of the early trucks came with 3:73 or lower gear ratios. 4:10's aren't uncommon and 4:56 were a special order that turn up more than you'd think.


if the truck is a coil spring rear be sure to check the trailing arms for rust damage. they seem to be the first thing to go and it's getting tough to find good ones.

hope this helps, mike