First-time post, so bear with me please. Now that I'm retired, I've finally started assembling the pieces of my first (kinda) rod project. I have a fairly sound '41 cab and a '47 roller frame. I was also given two H-series 226 flathead sixes, one with a 4-speed crashbox (which I have no intentions of using). Both of these sixes are unstuck, though, so I may go the be-different route of building one of these up. (Yes, I've already combed numerous threads on split manifolds, headers, homemade intakes, etc. My goal is to build this mish-mash as a '41 — provided I can find a '41 1/2-ton nose; although I'm open to other nose choices (another thread, another day...yes, I've read a lot already about these challenges too + fitting 41 sheet metal with a 42-47 frame). The plan is to put an S10 T5 behind the flathead (more study and good H.A.M.B. threads). NOW...the real reason for this post: I'd really like to do this as a "stealth 4x4" — no lift, as close to stock ride-height as possible or even a little front dropped-axle-stance if possible. So, my idea so far is to use a T5/NP207 combo and an axle-over-spring front diff. like a Dana 25 from an early CJ. Fabricating mounts/crossmembers/etc. is not an obstacle; I'm fairly handy. Knowledge of fit/logistics is what I seek all of your expertise on. Being a straightforward parallel-leaf ladder frame, it seems like a blank slate to achieve this. My big quandary is the front axle: the stock 41 spring arch looks like there's not enough room to run the axle over top. Spring eye-to-eye is 35"... spring eye-to-eye on, say, a CJ2 axle (which is already set up with arch for axle-over-spring) is 36¼...can I overcome the difference with a longer rear shackle? I will also have to deal with a shift of spring-perch on the axle but at least both are 1¾-wide spring packs. Has anybody done anything like this that could guide me? I want to keep it simple with a solid front axle and not get carried away figuring out some IFS 4x setup. Thanks!
The 41 nose on the 42-7 frame will take some work. 35-40 car frames are easily found for not a lot of money. Where are you located at?
I'm in Eastern Washington. Realize this won't be a bolt-together affair; but my research so far looks like I'll have some bottom-of-cowl channeling issues with the wider frame and some frame-front trimming to make 41 nose fit; but it is do-able, right? I'd like to stay with the parallel-leaf configuration for what I have in mind. Rear of the 41 (now partial) frame I have was toast.
Converting a vehicle to four-wheel-drive is not a focus of this website, you might find better answers elsewhere. Having said that, if I was planning such a project, I'd look into an early V-8 Explorer frame swap.
Anything is possible, but certainly not bolt-on. Its a retirement project and assume you’d like to drive it in the next few years. It’d be time ahead to use the proper frame for a 41 PU, ditch the 4x4 thoughts and have a non-Cluge truck.
Welcome to the HAMB. Since mine slammed with a dropped axle, I can’t offer much. 41 cabs and doors are essentially the same through 47, so that should fit your frame. BUT 41 front sheet metal is totally different, being like the 40, so hanging that on the very different later frame will have some challenges. There is a HAMBer who has a 36 4WD but I can’t recall his name. Being that this forum is for traditional vehicles, it might be a tough place for advice. In the good old days you would be tarred and feathered, quarter drawn and have your head on a pike at the city gate. Regardless, good luck with your challenge. It’s interesting.
Since the (off topic) 4X4 conversion is going to be quite a challenge, you may want to consider lessening your workload (and saving some $$$) by going with the 'jail bar' frontend. It would still have a great cool factor, and might get you to the driver stage quicker. JMHO
Thank.you all for your replies. Did not want to stir a hornet's nest with an unknowingly controversial post. I guess my thought was to build something with a traftional rod outward appearance...with a little something 'extra' sneaked between the frame rails. I live in a rural area up a somewhat tough dirt road. Maybe it wouldn't ever do duty as a winter driver but thought it would be fun for it to be 'backroad-capable'regardless. If a moderator/admin would rather I move this somewhere else, especially my running-gear questions, by all means let me know and I'll move or delete it.
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