This is a far cry from anything HHR, but then again, my HHR is a far cry from rubber melting fun!

I'm building a 1952 Ford truck rat rod to help keep the miles on my HHR down in the summer months. My questions are about the drive train...

I was given a S.B. Buick 350 and the truck has a Dana 44 rear end with a 3.90 gear. I'm putting a 4bbl intake and carb on it, so I should have about 280hp and 350 lb/ft of torque.

I want a 5 speed transmission, which one would you use? Would you stick with the current rear end, or get a different one? I have the option of getting a 1968 Buick 10-bolt with a 2.93 gear, should I get it and put new gears in it?

Any other suggestions are welcome!

 

After doing some research I think I'm going to buy an old Chevy S10 and use it's chassis and parts (steering, brakes, etc.)

 

i think the camaro 5speed would be nice setup ,1990ish+. the ford rear will hold up better than the gm. if you don't build your engine up much , and don't drive like you're at the dragstrip everyday the s10 rear will be fine. and nice if it already has the disc brakes. if you can find a s10 with the 4.3 vortech , you could just change the body,steering,fuel , electric, and still have a strong engine. i have 98 isuzu-same as s10- , with 4.3 , it has plenty of power.

 

Sounds like a great project!

S-10 chassis is a pretty good platform for your ride. Some things to think about is wheelbase and track width. I think the front track width on s-10s are narrower than your 52 but some wheel spacers can take care of that for you. For the rear I found that the 4 wheel drive s-10s are wider and are closer to rear track width. If you find a long wheelbase or ext cab s-10 you could cut down for the right wheelbase.

If you don't want to mess with cab mounts, I have had pretty good luck with 71-81 camaro front clips and using the rear ends as well. If your up for some front frame grafting. On the rear use your leaf springs with a few removed for better ride and stance.
Good luck with your 52!

 

dont use a buick motor.. lol. go SB or BB Chevy..
keep me up dated on this, im interested .. i LOVE rat/hot rods
im looking at gettin a 65-75 Chevy/Ford Truck for restore

 

Don't forget to get some pics.... before and after.

I think the Dana 44 with the 3.90 gears would be a good choice and should hold up well unless you plan on running way more power and slicks.

 

I found an S10 donor for $125...delivered! I'm going to strip it down to a bare frame, sand and paint it starting this weekend.

For now, I'm going to run the S10 rear end and if it breaks I'll find a rear out of a Fox Mustang and replace it.

As far as the SB Buick goes...They put out tremendous torque! Anywho, it's free and has 150,000 miles on it, so I'm using it as a temp solution until I build a better motor.