Need Info on 56 Dodge Panel truck

[Metalflake_Misfit]

A friend of mine just found a 56 dodge panel truck it runs and drives but it cant stop, We cant find a master cylcinder or a rebuild kit for it any suggestions on where too look for a new master or convert it perhaps..

Also we wanted to know if dropped axles are avail. for it or if we can get mono leafs or what ever...

And how hard would it be for me to get rid of the old 260 V8 thats in it and drop in a 400BB mopar and a 4spd that I have laying around would we just have to fab up some motor and tranny mounts or wil it just drop in im not familiar with pre 60's mopars so I can use all the help i can get

Thanks for the help

[plmczy]

Alot of people say to try plydo, they advertise in R&C in the back. Ask Elpolacko, he might be able to drop that axle, not sure. Master Power has a weld in universal brake setup if you can't find a rebuild kit for that panel. Good luck with it, later plmczy

[Metalflake_Misfit]

Thanks for the info plm i guess im just gonna have to do a little research on these things thanks again

[leadsled1953]

go to www.oldmoparts.com. (http://www.oldmoparts.com.) they have the stuff,[mopars from 1930 -1962] i'm doing the brakes on my 50 desoto.i ordered some some parts monday and they were here thursday

[leadsled1953]

sorry the link messed up type in the address www.oldmoparts.com (http://www.oldmoprts.com)

[Rocky]

You're prolly not gonna want to hear this, but after owning my 55 Dodge 1/2 ton shortbox for awhile, I got intimate with the brakes on it. They use 2 wheel cylinders per wheel and they must have built in factory leaks.
If I was seriously considering changing the little truck to a big block mopar engine, I'd start by changing to a more modern front suspension and steering and follow it up with a modern rear axle before changing the engine.
BTW, the old rear axles in those things were of the tapered shaft design like a pre 49 ford. Axle keys gave problems when the nut came loose.
The rear axle won't last behind your new big block engine.
They also had 2 wheelcylinders per wheel...a bad design IMHO...

[leadsled1953]

its Andy Bernbaum auto parts,315 franklin st, newton ,mass 02458. phone 1-617-244-1118.the master clyinder listed in their book is G-156 FOR 30-56 TRUCKS $97 .the web site is great.

[JamesG]

Does it sorta look like this?
http://info.detnews.com/dn/pix/2003/11/19/g02mywheelsmain400.jpg

Also, heres a page with info that might help you....

web page (http://townwagon.topcities.com/tw/years.htm)

[jay]

Hey Rocky what does your truck look like?? I have never seen one.

[Andy]

If the engine is a 241/259/270, It has a moter mount in the center under the water pump.No side mounts! If it is a 315 then you have a chance of bolting in a later engine as these had side mounts. An early hemi should bolt right in.

[Rocky]

Jay...they look similar to the panel photo posted but the grille is more of an oval opening with 2 horizontal grill bars.

[jay]

Man i should have never of sold my 52 p/u now i'm going to have to look for one of those panels...tell the wife it has more room to haul all of the family in http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif Hey Rocky or someone how can you tell a 315 from the 270? I was told the motor in my blue 56 is a 270 but it has motor mounts on the side. And the one in my parts car was supposed to be a 315 but it has them on the side too the only difference i have seen between the motors is the size of the stud bolt for the valve cover in my parts car is way smaller than the bolt in my blue 56.

[Andy]

Jay,If you get the serial no. from the front of the block near the oil filler, I will try to identify from a list I have.