New to this forum - Thank you

[Bill63]

Hello All,

Just sharing a few pictures as I'm new to this forum - also, a thank you! as I was able to solve a few issues and find a few helpful links based on prior posts.

A brief backstory:
-this truck was sitting, since 2014 in front of a local BBQ place (with BBQ on the old wooden flatbed)
-when the owners changed hands (mid last year) I half jokingly asked if I can buy it and did the next day
-all things seemed to be there but no guarantee (but I did get it for a good price(
-cleaned it up and did some work; front disc break conversion, removed old wooden flatbed, full tune-up, changed all fluids, rebuilt carb, changed the muffler and added a full tail pipe, had the front seat reupholstered, and other smaller misc. things
-runs quite good (225 slant six) with manual 4 on the floor
-next projects: (1) paint front bumper and fix/paint side mirrors (almond), (2) patch front drivers side floor and cab mounts, (3) do the headliner in antique license plates, (4) add some sound dampener and replace trim on doors, and (5) probably replace rear with something like 4:43 gears to give me a bit more speed and use of the granny gear.

Overall, having a blast working on and driving the truck and really appreciate the shared passion and knowledge in this group!

Best Regards,

Bill

[Hobcobble]

Welcome to the site.
Looks like a nice clean D300. I'm assuming the brake conversion
was based on converting to 8 lug hubs/rotors? Do you plan on
keeping the 6 lug rear axle or updating to 8 lug at some point?

What is the current axle gear ratio? If you can convert
to a 4.10 or even a 3.54, that would go nicely with the Slant 6 and
the NP 420.

John

[Bill63]

Hi John,

Yes, I was lucky - the truck was filthy and filled with junk but after emptying it and deep cleaning - it was all there and in very good shape for 1963. Yes, I did convert the front brakes to the 8-lug disc brakes (purchased from Ram Man in Ohio).

I'm not sure what the current gear ratio is but the top speed is about 55 mph and I just want a little more to keep the RPMs down and I'll be happy to be able to cruise at 60-65 if I get on the highway for a small stretch. I'm also assuming this will make the granny gear more useful as a real first gear.

I would also consider changing the rear gears but was thinking I also get modern brakes and less expensive tires by upgrading the rear axle. If anyone has suggestions; including which axle to upgrade to (probably will shift away from the dually to one wheel based on my needs) - that would be appreciated.

Bill

[dodgeboykim]

Hi John,

Yes, I was lucky - the truck was filthy and filled with junk but after emptying it and deep cleaning - it was all there and in very good shape for 1963. Yes, I did convert the front brakes to the 8-lug disc brakes (purchased from Ram Man in Ohio).

I'm not sure what the current gear ratio is but the top speed is about 55 mph and I just want a little more to keep the RPMs down and I'll be happy to be able to cruise at 60-65 if I get on the highway for a small stretch. I'm also assuming this will make the granny gear more useful as a real first gear.

I would also consider changing the rear gears but was thinking I also get modern brakes and less expensive tires by upgrading the rear axle. If anyone has suggestions; including which axle to upgrade to (probably will shift away from the dually to one wheel based on my needs) - that would be appreciated.

Bill

Your current gear ratio should be listed on VIN Tag. For the rear end I would be looking to convert to a later style dually rear axle such as a Dana 80 from a second gen 94 to 02 3500( Drum 94 to 99 and disc from 2000 to 02) if your wanting to keep the same Bolt Pattern as front. If you find a Furd Dually RA anything after 1998/99 ish is metric Bolt Pattern. Of course you can also use a bolt in Drum brake Dana 70 from 1992 to 93 Dodge trucks.

[Sethhoppas]

Nice truck man.

[Bill63]

Thank you - nice to be part of a group that shares the same interest / passion!

[PwrWgnDrvr]

Thank you - nice to be part of a group that shares the same interest / passion!

or sickness!

[Red383]

Welcome, nice looking truck

[Bill63]

Hi All: about to buy a new rear for my 1963 D300 / slant 6 // four on the floor. Any suggestions on gear ratio would be best. Mainly looking to get a bit more top end. It’s use is house projects - bushes, mulch, firewood, etc.

Thanks in advance. Bill

[Hobcobble]

To clarify.... you're putting an entirely new rear axle in?

I'd look for a 4.10 or, if available, a 3.54. I'm not positive
as to what you can get if you're keeping a dually set up.

John

[PwrWgnDrvr]

U ain't gonna git more top end with 3.54 in a D300 with /6!

[Bill63]

To clarify, I will change to a modern (mid90’s or later) rear axel

[dodgeboykim]

To clarify, I will change to a modern (mid90’s or later) rear axel

72 to 93 Dodge trucks are a direct bolt in with minimal issues and 3:54 was fairly common through many of those years.

[soopernaut]

To clarify, I will change to a modern (mid90’s or later) rear axel

72 to 93 Dodge trucks are a direct bolt in with minimal issues and 3:54 was fairly common through many of those years.

My understanding is that the 1 ton sweptline frame is a different width than the 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks. The 72-93 trucks use the same width frame for 1/2 through 1 ton. This means that a 72-79 axle may not be a direct bolt-in on a 61-71 1 ton truck. I haven't actually measured any 1 ton frames though.

[Hobcobble]

My understanding is that the 1 ton sweptline frame is a different width than the 1/2 and 3/4 ton trucks. The 72-93 trucks use the same width frame for 1/2 through 1 ton. This means that a 72-79 axle may not be a direct bolt-in on a 61-71 1 ton truck. I haven't actually measured any 1 ton frames though.

Correct. The 100/200 frames are the same. The 300 frame is different.

John

[dodgeboykim]

I'm sure a 72 to 93 300/350 series can easily be made to work in a Sweptline. The D300 didn't click when I read your post.