Posted by Wayne D Hillenbrand [172.68.65.177] on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at 17:17:31 :
In Reply to: Re: Drivabiliity posted by Clint Dixon [172.68.90.97] on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at 13:26:22 :
So I think everyone is suggesting to keep the flathead, at least for now. I concur, and here's some thoughts.
I suspect that more than one of the members on the forum can hook you up with a 200+ HP engine that will redline at 6k RPM letting you hit over 70 MPH. But... the brakes on the truck won't stop you too well at 70 MPH, the transmission will overheat and destroy at a minimum your seals, the transfer case (without an external cooler) will overheat. And the suspension is that of a 60+ year old one ton truck.
My wife urged me to put seat belts in my truck. I did, but the reality is four bolts hold the cab on, so if we hit a tree at 70 MPH the cab (with me, her seatbelts and probably a dog) would leave the frame just to get smashed into the tree.
If I wanted a Power Wagon that would safely do 70-80 MPH I want one with air bags, stability control, traction control, antilock brakes,heated seats and maybe even an MP3 player. So then I'd buy a late model truck and put the PW body on it....
These trucks are designed as work trucks, not race trucks. They're happier going 30 MPH than 50, and they'd be even happier pushing a mound of snow or pulling a two bottom plow.
Clint suggested going to meet some other PW folks if you could. Where abouts are you located?
Good luck. Don't let rebuilding the flathead scare you. It'd not hard.
Wayne
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