building a 49 Chevy 3800 for towing/hauling
I recently inherited this old farm truck. It's a 49 3800 single wheel that used to have a stake bed on it. Since it's already a 1-ton I'm looking to convert it into a hauler that I can haul parts/cars with. The heaviest I'm looking to tow would be my C10 (4000lbs without trailer). I know this truck has probably moved that much weight before, but i'm looking to do it safer and at higher speeds. The speed limits on Texas interstates are 75+mph and I'll get run over going 40-55mph. I've got a pretty good idea of what I want to do for engine, transmission and rear axle. I'm stuck on the front axle and front brakes.
I hate front drums. I know they can stop well, but they require constant adjustment to stop straight. I also know that there aren't really any good ways to convert my front axle (3600 and 3800) to disc. One way is to convert to a 3100 front axle but then I'm using Camaro discs and calipers for towing. That doesn't seem right. Are there any more heavy duty options available? I have a jeep ZJ front dummy axle that I could weld leaf perches onto, but the brakes are no bigger than Camaro brakes.
What other considerations should I be taking? I'm open to ideas. Right now I'm in the early planning stages.
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-- Josh
Instagram: @americanmusc1e
OLD SKOOL-- 1970 C10. 454/Th400/3.07 posi Build Thread
FARM TRUCK----1949 Chevrolet 3800 Power Wagon Hauler Build Thread
1999 4wd OBS Tahoe - daily.
DM me if you can't see photos i posted
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