Posted by Keith in Washington [24.41.55.51] on Friday, December 18, 2015 at 11:51:38 :
In Reply to: Torque capabilities of stock FFPW drivetrain posted by MichaelM in Mich [129.9.75.192] on Friday, December 18, 2015 at 08:05:06 :
I am running a V8 in my WC53 which has the same basic drive line. I had it put on a dyno and it has 200 HP and about 250 ft lb of torque at the rear wheels. Then engine would be rated higher if it was tested in a test stand rather than in the truck. I have never broken anything in the drive line. I don't abuse it but definitely use it. I travel at freeway speeds with no issues.
I would not put different axles or steering in. I have no problems with either. If they are rebuilt correctly they do just fine. The only issue would be the short axle shaft in the rear axle. You can replace that axle with a centered rear axle from a WC. I have broken one short axle shaft in my 51 PW. I was loaded with over 1 1/2 yards of crushed rock. I broke it when starting out in first gear. I have loaded the truck like this multiple times and have only had any issues that one time.
With a V8, I would make sure that it has disk brakes on the front axle with a dual master cylinder at a minimum.
Don't skimp here period.
Feel free to email me for further info.
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