37 Half Ton - Engine Options

[FortyNiner]

Looking for some guidance from the wise folk...
We have a 37 half ton project truck without an engine or tranny. Trying to stay with a Ford power train has prompted this question: Will a 226 ci straight 6 (the H version from '48-52) and the mated 3 speed light duty truck tranny be a ready fit? If it is, I'm assuming that there will be other issues with the drive shaft / differential. Any voices of experience?

[Scott H in Wheaton]

why not a '40 flathead with maybe a t5 behind it?
right now my 36 has a 40 flathead and 3 speed

[cas3]

stick with a flathead v8 and you'll still have a 37 ford, and it bolts together

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by FortyNiner

Looking for some guidance from the wise folk...
We have a 37 half ton project truck without an engine or tranny. Trying to stay with a Ford power train has prompted this question: Will a 226 ci straight 6 (the H version from '48-52) and the mated 3 speed light duty truck tranny be a ready fit? If it is, I'm assuming that there will be other issues with the drive shaft / differential. Any voices of experience?

Need to decide if the cost and effort involved justifies the end result. Things to think about, the cost of all the less common parts, the amount of modification required and the value of the finished product. You will end up with a truck that has much less value than a more traditional restoration.

[41ford1]

The biggest issue of using the H engine is the length. Will it fit between the fire wall and the radiator in a stock 37?

[Ol' Ron]

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Any Flathead will fit, if you know how to do it. This has been explained a dozen or more times here on the barn. Someone should write a book on it.

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by Ol' Ron

Any Flathead will fit, if you know how to do it. This has been explained a dozen or more times here on the barn. Someone should write a book on it.

He talking a stright 6 Ron, will the stright 6 fit in a 37? I have no idea. I guess if it's the same length as the v8 it would!

[FortyNiner]

I appreciate the inputs. And I do have a copy of your book, Ron. It will be well used for the rebuilds of the V8s we do have and hope to bring back to life.

The H engine 6 and the V8s are only about 3 inches different in size. I realize that the V8s may be 'easier' to install, but I also have read enough about Barner experiences with cracked blocks to see a ready problem going that path.

Setting aside the issue of I6 vs V8 for a moment, is the 'newer' drive shaft compatable with the stock 37 differential?

[Ray Balukas]

I have an 8BA in my 37 Panel. It was in it when I purchased it. The generator used has the fan mounted to it, which was from 37 engine. Other than that Oil pan and truck water pumps. Hope I'm correct.

[big job]

If the 37 had a V8 and you wish to go inline six you have to change the front mounts.
Just went throught that with a six going to an 8BA front mounts are totally different.
sam

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by FortyNiner

The H engine 6 and the V8s are only about 3 inches different in size.

I also have read enough about Barner experiences with cracked blocks to see a ready problem going that path.

is the 'newer' drive shaft compatable with the stock 37 differential?

Three inches is a lot when it comes to an engine fitting in an engine compartment. Even the later V8 is a tight fit.

Cracked blocks is just something you have to be aware of and account for. Look how many people are running v8 flatheads!

You can convert a closed driveshaft rear axle to an open rear axle.

About anything can be put into anything if you are willing to invest the money and time to do it. Then the question becomes is it a wise investment? It will devalue the truck, so you are spending time and money to lower the value and desirability, for me there would have to really be a compelling reason for me to want to do that.

[FortyNiner]

Thanks Ray and Sam
I figured the mounts would have to change. Did you fab or buy them?

[FortyNiner]

Appreciate the input JSerry! My questions are triggered, in part, by a road worthy I6 that is not much money compared to the rusty hulks of V8 blocks that must be diamond encrusted under the grime, based on their pricing.

[corvette8n]

With 12 million V8's produced even if half of them are cracked that still give you 6 million to choose from lol.

[JSeery]

If you really have your heart set on the 6, why not find a body/chassis that it will fit in? That would make for a really nice setup! Really hate to say it, but if you don't want a flathead V8 your best bet might be to consider a more modern V8 install. It is possible to install a modern engine in such a way that it could be converted back to stock at a future date if someone wanted to.

[FortyNiner]

I'm not committed to the 6 one way or another. It is a reliable engine that brings its own challenges. The intent is to put a Ford flathead in the 37 without busting the bank. My mission was to understand if there are show stoppers based on the collective wisdom here. I have learned a couple of key points - thanks!

All the builds we are collecting materials for are rescues from barns and quiet rusting places. None have been on the road for a long spell - an all to familiar tale. We are just trying to give them a shot at a second life - with a flathead under the hood.