Moparts
360 in 1937 truck
Posted By: 36dodge
360 in 1937 truck - 10/30/13 02:22 AM
What do you think! I have a chance to get a 77 360 with 727 from a camper. Less than 60k and runs very good for $600 with driveshaft.
Do i need to get anything else?
What type of perf upgrades are good? Previous owner of my project
had made some headers, so that should help
Posted By: poorboy
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 10/30/13 03:34 AM
Camper, as in van front end camper or the big box type camper?
A 77 360 needs a performance cam for sure. A bump in compression would help a bunch too. Just do the basic 360 performance build, the camper 360 should not be anything special.
Lots of stuff may need to be upgraded on your 37 truck as you put the 360 auto in where a flat head 6 with a 3 or 4 speed used to be, or very little is everything has already been done. You may have to upgrade the brakes, the suspension, the rear axle, the wiring, built motor mounts & transmission mounts, shorten the drive shaft, change the tires and wheels, the fuel tank & gas gauge, and a few other items.
Don't give up, its all been done before, we just need to know where you're starting from. Gene
Posted By: 65rbdodge
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 10/30/13 01:46 PM
if you are not looking for more performance I would just clean and regasket the motor or maybe just new timing chain, valve cover and oil pan gaskets. if it runs well, there is no need to rebuild. I would never spend that much money on a motor I was going to rebuild, I would get a $100 junkyard mystery motor for that. put a new timing chain/gears on no matter what you do. I reringed a 93k mile junkyard motorhome 360 2 years ago for a friend, it runs great in he 72 fury wagon. put a new filter in the trans and shorten the drive shaft to fit your truck.
Posted By: dogdays
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 10/30/13 08:02 PM
What are you doing for emergency brakes?
R.
Posted By: Supercuda
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 10/30/13 10:41 PM
Quote:
What are you doing for emergency brakes?
R.
yabba dabba doo!
Posted By: AZ_A12_BEE
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 10/30/13 10:58 PM
Petty much any small block v8 will fit, it's just how much effort you are willing to put in. Any swap will require some fabrication and working around issues.
Posted By: 36dodge
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 10/31/13 12:26 AM
Here's more info....
The frame has been reworked by previuos owner and set up with MII front
He never finished but has done a good job....
It should be all setup for a small block LA, alum rad, 727, narrowed 8 3/4 truck rear end.
Coated headers ready to go.
Will need to consider cooling fans and some other details.
Hopefully I can use the existing oil pan off the sportsman tioga?
Plan on modifying the tioga driveshaft as well
etc
Posted By: dogdays
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 10/31/13 12:48 AM
My point is, the original emergency brake on the pickup was probably a band brake on a drum at the back of the transmission. Your swap engine/transmission may have the sme thing, making it easy. But it may not, as well. In that case you'll have to fabricate something up and use the emergency brakes in the 8 3/4.
R.
Posted By: 2abodymcodes
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 10/31/13 02:27 AM
i'll be watching this post. i will be installing a 360 w/904 tranny into my 42 dodge truck with a 69 b-body 8 3/4 rear. was wondering what to do about the emergency brake.
Posted By: poorboy
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 10/31/13 02:35 AM
Quote:
i'll be watching this post. i will be installing a 360 w/904 tranny into my 42 dodge truck with a 69 b-body 8 3/4 rear. was wondering what to do about the emergency brake.
E-brake is easy!
Just use the ones inside the drums on your 69 8 3/4, and connect the cables to the one originally from your truck, if that cable is any good.
Really, if you manage to get the motor, trans, rear axle, wiring and other brakes functioning, the e-brake should be a walk in the park. I have been know to have driven more then a few miles without a functioning emergency brake, and have lived to tell about it. We have an 04 PT that has been on the road for 10 years and 100,000 miles. I don't believe I have ever even tested the e-brake. 
Gene
Posted By: 65rbdodge
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 10/31/13 01:42 PM
my Desoto had the e-brake on the trans. I swapped in a 318/4speed/8.75. it was very easy to make the existing cable work with the new newer parts. If I remember correctly the stock ebrake cable has a threaded bolt on the end. I used that and made it work with parts from an 80`s ram truck from the stock cable back to the drums.
Posted By: AZ_A12_BEE
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 10/31/13 04:17 PM
Quote:
What do you think! I have a chance to get a 77 360 with 727 from a camper. Less than 60k and runs very good for $600 with driveshaft.
Do i need to get anything else?
What type of perf upgrades are good? Previous owner of my project
had made some headers, so that should help
Post some pics of your truck please
Posted By: fstfish66
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 11/07/13 07:55 AM
subscribed
Posted By: 36dodge
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 11/10/13 08:55 AM
1st - 65rbdodge...around here u cannot find a $100 anything anymore..scrap guys
like finding a barn find and I do realize its possible
Posted By: 36dodge
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 11/10/13 09:01 AM
Here some pics so far....still gathering and seeking parts.
Posted By: DusterKrazy
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 11/11/13 09:29 PM
A Mopar LA is a bolt in if you are wanting to use the stock straight axle, well assuming it is similar to my '41. Bolted right in with '70s LA truck mounts. I can take a picture if you need to see it
I had to cut a plastic piece off the old style starter to fit it where the steering box comes down. The mini wouldn't work because of it's shape
Posted By: 36dodge
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 11/13/13 01:17 AM
Since I am spending a liitle at a time....
thinking of a vlv job. Would there be a certain set of heads I should be on the lookout
for? Keep bottom end original for now. Just do top end
Posted By: DusterKrazy
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 11/13/13 04:20 AM
Quote:
Since I am spending a liitle at a time....
thinking of a vlv job. Would there be a certain set of heads I should be on the lookout
for? Keep bottom end original for now. Just do top end
Most 360 heads are so identical that digging around for the best set may not be worth it. They all have 1.88/1.60 valves. The '308 casting heads from '88-91 flow great. 72/73 J heads are good to but if your heads are in good condition, just build those
Posted By: poorboy
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 11/14/13 02:25 AM
I've heard the Magnum 360 (5.9) heads are the best small block heads produced, but they have a different angle for the bolts that hold the intake on, so extra work/parts are required to use them on an LA motor. Gene
Posted By: fstfish66
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 11/15/13 08:02 PM
Quote:
Since I am spending a liitle at a time....
thinking of a vlv job. Would there be a certain set of heads I should be on the lookout
for? Keep bottom end original for now. Just do top end
the only factory heads with any gain on your motor (360) would be the 340 X heads or the 915 big valve heads, but for a streeet motor i dont think its worth the expense unless you find a set decently priced,,a pair of edelbrock heads would show better gain for the money,,or a set of magnum heads,but the magnums use the GM style rocker train and do flow better but used those are prone to be cracked,,,and IMO i perfer the shaft mounted rocker train,,the 360 makes great power stock or slightly cammed,,,
Posted By: fstfish66
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 11/15/13 08:27 PM
Quote:
I've heard the Magnum 360 (5.9) heads are the best small block heads produced, but they have a different angle for the bolts that hold the intake on, so extra work/parts are required to use them on an LA motor. Gene
yes the magnum heads flow great,,but used ones are prone to have cracks in the chamber area,,and use a rocker set up not as good as pre magnums,,,the 1989 heads are same as magnums sorta and use the shaft mounted rocker systems,,
Posted By: 36dodge
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 11/18/13 07:46 AM
What do u think.....found a friend...
An Edelbrock 2177 cam and lifter kit $100
Should i pick it up? Hmmmm that with a dual plane intake
fresh vlv job and my headers?
Posted By: 36dodge
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 11/20/13 12:46 AM
cam & lifters $100??? all new still in the box
is it worth the effort?
Posted By: poorboy
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 11/20/13 01:39 AM
What are the specs on the cam? Unless a guy knows the numbers, the cam may work great or not so great on a street rod. A good street mannered cam for $100 would be a go, but some radical high rpm race cam might not be a good deal for a street driven car, even at $100.
Least that is my
Gene
Posted By: 36dodge
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 11/20/13 07:51 AM
.270/.270 dur, .420/.420 lift, mech
Posted By: dogdays
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 11/20/13 05:44 PM
Do it. Its Summit price is $200.
You can use stock springs. If the exhausts have rotaters, remove them and the springs and replace with the same stuff that's on the intake.
318 roller cam springs like I found on my '86 Fifth 318 are a little stiffer than the stock springs and would be a decent upgrade.
Specs are 204/204 @ 50 lift, 110LSA
0.420 lift.
It's really really close to the old Comp 252H grind, they claimed 0.425 lift otherwise everything else's the same.
I bought one several years ago to use in a 318 and have never gotten around to using it.
It's one step bigger than a stock 360 cam and makes a really nice cam for a 318. It'll get more power from the 360 with excellent manners.
R.
Posted By: fstfish66
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 11/21/13 06:49 AM
Quote:
cam & lifters $100??? all new still in the box
is it worth the effort?
if new in box sure its worth 100 but are the specs what you need ?? flipping it for more may be hard to do,,,
Posted By: fstfish66
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 11/21/13 06:51 AM
Quote:
.270/.270 dur, .420/.420 lift, mech
if i remember correctly,,,420 lift would be fairly close to a stock 340/360 cam,,not sure on the duration,,,look it up on all par
Posted By: 36dodge
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 12/01/13 12:43 AM
Passed on the cam..seemed like the specs were not aggressive enough.
Just bought a 742 empty carrier housing....who has the internals?
Got another ??? should I go with rear leafs or 4 link? 4 Link is better for handling right?
Posted By: poorboy
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 12/01/13 10:08 PM
Again, unless your planning on doing some heavy cornering, I doubt you will notice the difference between a 4 link and leaf springs, the 4 link will be more complex to set up if its not already done. Personally, I like to keep things simple, the more fancy you get, the more difficult the project becomes, and the more things can go wrong down the road.
Gene
Posted By: Supercuda
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 12/01/13 10:13 PM
A true 4 link is junk for handling.
What most people think of as a "4 link" in regards to handling is not a 4 link. It's a 5 or 6 link setup.
Posted By: 36dodge
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 12/01/13 11:51 PM
Poorboy...Supercuda
You guys are correct...4 link on a solid rear axle just is not worth it
You would need IRS set up...ie Jag or other
No I guess I will stick with the rear leafs..Just got to find short length version
with the correct spring rate
maybe Posies...do know they will be expensive as its not an off
the shelf unit
Posted By: AZ_A12_BEE
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 12/02/13 12:24 AM
Quote:
A true 4 link is junk for handling.
What most people think of as a "4 link" in regards to handling is not a 4 link. It's a 5 or 6 link setup.
Does it really matter on these old truck so? They will never be a Porsche so anything is an improvement over a straight axle
The advantage a 4 link has over a leaf springed rear axle is when combined with air bags you can adjust the ride height
Posted By: GO_Fish
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 12/02/13 01:04 AM
Quote:
I've heard the Magnum 360 (5.9) heads are the best small block heads produced, but they have a different angle for the bolts that hold the intake on, so extra work/parts are required to use them on an LA motor. Gene
Not a big deal. If you have the LA and Mag heads side by side, I used the common bolt holes on the end of both heads to create a wooden jig and drilled and threaded my Mag heads for an LA intake. And I am WAY less experienced fabricator than Poorboy! I got one hole drilled crooked, but it seals fine. A drill press would do better than the hand drill I used.
Posted By: Supercuda
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 12/02/13 01:20 AM
Quote:
Quote:
A true 4 link is junk for handling.
What most people think of as a "4 link" in regards to handling is not a 4 link. It's a 5 or 6 link setup.
Does it really matter on these old truck so? They will never be a Porsche so anything is an improvement over a straight axle
The advantage a 4 link has over a leaf springed rear axle is when combined with air bags you can adjust the ride height
Don't think the cost benefit ratio is on the plus side there. You can get a well sorted out and handling parallel rear leaf setup for well under $1k. I seriously doubt you could get a 4 link/airbag setup for even close to that. And I am of the type that I set the ride height and leave it alone, I do not need a remotely adjustable ride height setup.
Posted By: poorboy
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 12/02/13 02:09 AM
Quote:
Poorboy...Supercuda
You guys are correct...4 link on a solid rear axle just is not worth it
You would need IRS set up...ie Jag or other
No I guess I will stick with the rear leafs..Just got to find short length version
with the correct spring rate
maybe Posies...do know they will be expensive as its not an off
the shelf unit
Leaf springs are pretty easy, all you need is the center bolt to be at the correct location to center the rear axle in the desired location. Then mount the front leaf spring mount where it needs to be, and mount the rear mount where it needs to be. There are many options on how long the front portion of the spring is and how long the rear portion of the spring is. Spring rate is a matter of how thick and how many leafs are in the spring pack. I see no reason you can't use an off the shelf pair of leaf springs.
Make your life easy, find a donner with leaf springs about the same weight as your truck, and get a new pair of springs for it. On my 54, I used a set of rear springs from a Mustang II. Put the front and rear hangers where they need to be so the rear axle was centered in the rear wheel wells and I was done. I mounted my springs outside of the frame on a 3/8" x 4" angle and bolted the Ford spring perches to the angle welded to the frame (the angle can also be bolted to the frame with 4 3/8" grade 8 bolts if you want to do all the drilling). I would also bet Mopar "A" body leaf springs would be close enough for a great ride and you can use the front leaf spring brackets from the A body too.
Of course, if you want to use Posy's springs, its your money. Gene
Posted By: Mopar Ron
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 12/02/13 02:44 AM
I use a lot of mini truck springs(toyota,Dodge D50,and nisson )all work real nice, and easy to add or subtract leafs. Ron...
Posted By: AZ_A12_BEE
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 12/02/13 04:09 AM
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
A true 4 link is junk for handling.
What most people think of as a "4 link" in regards to handling is not a 4 link. It's a 5 or 6 link setup.
Does it really matter on these old truck so? They will never be a Porsche so anything is an improvement over a straight axle
The advantage a 4 link has over a leaf springed rear axle is when combined with air bags you can adjust the ride height
Don't think the cost benefit ratio is on the plus side there. You can get a well sorted out and handling parallel rear leaf setup for well under $1k. I seriously doubt you could get a 4 link/airbag setup for even close to that. And I am of the type that I set the ride height and leave it alone, I do not need a remotely adjustable ride height setup.
Not everyone is the set and forget kind, especial those that use their rig for towing or hauling loads so just because you like like leafs springs doesn't mean a 4 link doesn't have its uses for others. Would I 4 link my Coronets, hell no, but I plan on eventually towing a jet ski trailer with my 37 and I want it low so the 4 link will serve my purpose. I fixed the screwed up springs to get my 37 roadworthy because it was easy and cheap.
Posted By: Supercuda
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 12/02/13 08:32 PM
No mention of towing at all in the OP's original request, handling was mentioned.
In my book handling and towing have mutually exclusive requirements.
Posted By: AZ_A12_BEE
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 12/02/13 09:37 PM
Quote:
No mention of towing at all in the OP's original request, handling was mentioned.
In my book handling and towing have mutually exclusive requirements.
As is good handling and ride quality
Posted By: fstfish66
Re: 360 in 1937 truck - 12/05/13 08:56 AM
4 LINK are noisey,,,leafs would be easier,,,cheaper,,,quieter,,,and ride better,, i had a 4link street car with coil overs,,,