The Ford Barn - View Single Post - Oldest daily driver... with highway speeds

expavr · 02-18-2019, 10:08 PM

“2) High Speeds and Brakes: The suspension, steering and braking systems on these trucks were not designed for 70+ mph. So, even if you manage to have enough power and final drive ratio to get to 70 mph, how safe will you be once you do?”

I agree. My 1940 tonner with a 49 Merc O/D can easily do any task you have specified including operating at 70 MPH. Having said that it’s definitely not safe at speeds in excess of 50 MPH carrying a load. The brakes are inadequate as are the reflexes and response of the driver. Before it was restored it carried engines, transmissions and other heavy parts but always at speeds far less than those of a modern F350. Bored and Stroke is correct our vintage iron was designed to operate and function in a much different environment and to go beyond that envelope without upgrading brakes, steering, etc is to invite disaster IMO.

02-18-2019, 10:08 PM	#19
expavr Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hansville, WA Posts: 776	Re: Oldest daily driver... with highway speeds “2) High Speeds and Brakes: The suspension, steering and braking systems on these trucks were not designed for 70+ mph. So, even if you manage to have enough power and final drive ratio to get to 70 mph, how safe will you be once you do?” I agree. My 1940 tonner with a 49 Merc O/D can easily do any task you have specified including operating at 70 MPH. Having said that it’s definitely not safe at speeds in excess of 50 MPH carrying a load. The brakes are inadequate as are the reflexes and response of the driver. Before it was restored it carried engines, transmissions and other heavy parts but always at speeds far less than those of a modern F350. Bored and Stroke is correct our vintage iron was designed to operate and function in a much different environment and to go beyond that envelope without upgrading brakes, steering, etc is to invite disaster IMO.