I am leaning toward pulling the flathead out of the 48 Diamond T, dropping in a 4BT Cummins and an overdrive transmission.....I want a truck I can take to Bit&Spurs shows and use as a display/tool hauler for my hand forged cowboy bits and spurs. I like the wheels on the truck and want as close to the original style wheel as I can get. I would like to keep the straight front axle,(disk brakes and power steering are not in my plans) and figure a way to change out the rear end to a higher ratio keeping the original rear axle housing and re-spline the Diamond T axles so I can keep the original 6 spoke Dayton 17" Wheels. My question is are the spoked Dayton wheels that are on the truck (see picture) something I would want to take a 1000 mile round trip at 65 to 70 MPH with? Anyone have experience running with the old Daytons at todays highway speeds ? My other option would be to swap the axles out wih 5 Hole 19 or 20 inch Budd axles like those on the 70's Dodge motorhomes. Any ideas or advice appreciated. Rick
I wrestled with the same issue on my 201, and ended up getting a narrow Dana 70 one ton rear, using a front suspension from an early 90's Chevy van (narrowed) and going with 17" 8 lug Dodge 3/4 ton aluminum wheels. I wanted good brakes, power steering, and a ride that wouldn't shake out the screws that hold my glasses together. I like the 4BT idea, but I got a scream'n deal on a 6.0 LS engine and 4L60. I've got a build thread here, "Diamond T tow truck" or something like that, or check it out at my blog. Just use the link below. Nice truck! Brian
I like old as well as the next guy.What I don't like is getting far away from home and breaking something old.It's one thing when you are near your pile of spares and equipment.It's another when you are on the side of the road considering the cost of a tow bill.If you want to tour long range,I'd suggest more modern running gear with parts available anywhere.
Brian, I have been following your Diamond T build on a couple of forums, nice truck. I am going today to check out a 70's Dodge motor home. I think it has 19.5" 5 hole Budds which I think would look good on the truck. Not sure about the tracking width of the Dodge RV IFS front axle, a custom made flat bed is going on the rear so the rear tracking is not as critical. If I could find a old straight truck front axle with the correct width the Dodge 5 hole 19.5's would fit poblem solved as I don't need IFS. Bob, I hear you on the parts issue..... Thanks Rick
If this chassis has ifs front it will be 8 lug rims not the 19.5. If the chassis has the budd rims it will have a solid front axle, but it may be too wide for your frontend. Nothing wrong with the axles you have under the truck, except the gear ratio. Diamond T didn't make their own engines, so stuff something newer in it with an overdrive. The tire diameters also can help.
I'm with you. Those wheels make the truck. Without them, it just won't be the same look. FWIW, those wheels and that running gear in good condition covered millions of highway miles loaded heavy. Can't see any reason you'd have problems with all new bearings, tie rods, spring bushings, shocks and the like. The front spring ride can be adjusted to the load. If your bed and load is light, just remove some spring leaves and install some Koni motor home shocks. For the rear, you do need highway gearing, I'd use an axle which comes with air bags. Why not consider a turbo for that fine old Herculese? It has a strong lower end and low compression. Would be less work than swapping in a whole new drivetrain.
I grew up around war era Diamonds, and would love to have what you have there. These must be one of USAs greatest trucks! I absolutely agree with everything PackardV8 says. These are badass the way they are and will not let you down just like that. That type of wheel saw insane loads and are still running. Higher gears, new breakes, bushings, ball ends etc, and new tires is all i would do.
You can narrow the front axle (if that's what it is) to any width you need. No problem welding an I-beam. Or, do what I did and widen the fenders! Brian
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