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56 ford f600 / 5.9 cummins w/5sp

7K views 8 replies 6 participants last post by  rustyrelic 
#1 ·
Hi everyone, Im new to diesel garage. I have a 56 ford f600 with 272 y-block 4sp main and 4sp aux trans with a 2sp rear end. Im a UPS driver, my favorite brown truck to drive was a freightliner with the cummins 5.9 and 5sp. I would like that engine and trans combination in my 56 ford. I am looking for a donor 2ton truck with the 6 lug bud wheels (correct wheels for 56 f600) so i can use the rear axle. (the 6.3 ratio axle thats in it now will not work with the diesel) any words of wisdom,thoughts,or suggestions would be greatly apprecaited, thanks in advance Reno
 
#3 ·
If you figure on finding a newer truck with just six lugs, not likely to happen, they are all 8 or 10 lugs.
 
#4 ·
One thing to consider, with a newer rear end you get bigger brakes(even rear disc), better/ higher gears, and can be hid behind an old school rim.
 
#5 ·
The aux trans probably has gears to change the ratios so the rear end will work.

You can probably use a hydroboost to make the brakes useable for a lightweight, depending on the brakes at the wheels they may work well, if it is a hill country truck. A flat land truck generaly used the smaller brakes. Check the parts book to see what to look for.

There is a world of repro parts for the cab.

The 9.00x20 tires are collectors now, I don't remember the tubeless replacement size in the 60's but 8x19.5 is close I think. Depends on what the truck will be doing. Low pro 22.5's may look ok but the wheels will have to be made to order.

Are you going to redeck it?

For power steering the box from a P chassie may work or a Freightliner 70 although when the front end is in good shape and greased they steer ok.

I put a stack of miles on a F700 with a Cat and a 5 speed.

Sounds most excellent.

keydl
 
#6 ·
56 f600

The aux trans has a 15% overdrive (500rpm drop) 55mph is 2700 rpm in my highest gear (OD) the truck is a old firetruck, the stock wheel is 9r22.5 (56 was the first year ford had a tubeless rim ) one of the UPS trucks would be a perfect donor as they have the 5.9 cummins 5sp, 2ton axles with disc brakes and the 6 lug bud wheels. The only problem is UPS does not sell any, we still have some ford 2ton chassis trucks with the 300 6cyl from the late 70's on the road making deliveries daily. I have seen some PG@E ford f700 with the 6 lug wheels .... thanks for the interest @ info
 
#7 ·
There are some other chassis munufacturers that used the 5.9. I know some of the step vans Grummin and I'm sure others too. You are not stuck wishing for a UPS truck, just may need to hunt some.

Good luck and keep us posted!!
 
#8 ·
A lot of RPS trucks used the gruman body and freightliner style chassis with the cummins. I know a guy that has a fed ex ground truck with a 1000 alison and a 24v for sale if you are interested. The truck was rolled but runs fine. I think it has 8 lugs though.
 
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