Well...it's about done. The starter is no longer an issue but believe it or not, the bigger starter fits better because of the design of it after one simple modification to it. We cut one of the plastic ears off the starter and used two bolts instead of a stud setup and a bolt to install it. It's kinda of a tight fit and the top starter bolt is well "intresting" to install because it is tight for sure.

It lines up in the trans tunnel nice as well. Chopping the one of the plastic ears of the starter doesn't effect anything. We then hooked a battery to it and it turned over just fine. This can be done. I have heard to many people to tell this can't be done and that I should just put a SBC in it. I could not find anything anywhere about putting a Chrysler small block into a vintage straight axle truck. Maybe this will help somebody out. I hope so...

Starter plastic cut off...

It's in..

Tech tip: A '72-'80 Dodge 2wd truck transmission crossmember is just about a perfect fit on the stock frame. The brake pedal is from a '66 Valiant. '71 Dart gas pedal...

What oil pan did you use?
Looks like you put the engine up front rather than trying to set it back.
R.

Haven't finalized it yet but a '78 Dodge 1/2 ton truck rear (8.25) dropped right onto the factory springs.

Pic..because it works!!

Looks great, glad to see your doing mopar with a mopar.
I have my eyes on this kind of project in the near future.

Any photos of how you build the motor mounts or tied them to the frame rails? at least that is what I am assuming you did since i see no sign of an engine plate.

They are '70s LA engine truck mounts. We just flipped them around to where they worked. Run a longer bolt down through the stock position. I am running a chain from the head to frame on the drivers side though.. Didn't have to fab anything.