Posted by AAA on Wednesday, June 22, 2005 at 9:37AM :
In Reply to: 1959 Power Wagon/ transmission change questions posted by Dave Brown/ Northern Nevada on Tuesday, June 21, 2005 at 10:26PM :
Hello -
Your truck appears to be in nice shape, and is actually quite a rare Power Wagon.
The only thing I can spot that is wrong is the original front fenders have been cut, not uncommon that the lower "flaps" are gone. They were prone to damage.
If it were my truck, I would try to keep it as original as possible. It can be made to be a good highway driver, which was the intent of it's introduction in 1957.
The 318 Poly is a strong engine, and is different than the LA. The LA will work in it's place however.
If you cannot find an original PS unit, you could go to a skinnier tire/wheel, which will help on steering and likely improve highway behavier (mpg).
You can install several types of trans in place of the 3spd, such as the NP420, 435, 445 (4spds), and 540 5 spd.
Nice to see the original winch on the truck, and long fleetside bed...probably one of the first to have it.
Aaron