Posted by Greg Coffin [172.68.34.79] on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at 14:50:57 :
In Reply to: Direction to go posted by Andrew [172.69.62.85] on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at 06:59:35 :
Reading your post it sounds like you want to keep the truck original, and it sounds like an excellent candidate for a restoration. You have my complete support for this. I might even go so far as to suggest you buff the original paint and clear coat it to keep it as original as possible.
As for driveability, it really depends on where you live and what you want to do with the truck. If you live in a relatively flat area with only light to moderate hills, the 230 engine will work great with 5.83 gears, as long as you are happy with 50-55 miles an hour. But expect to be in 3rd gear for more aggressive hills. Here in Colorado I'm in third gear going up an 8% grade at 30 mph, which limits some roads I feel comfortable driving on.
As Clint said, take your time with the project. You can do all of the engine, drivetrain, body and electrical work first, then drive it around and see how you like it. Bigger tires can go on anytime, and 4.89 gears are not that hard to install. I would stay away from the 4.30 gears with a flathead engine, they will be too tall for that little engine.