Slant differences between cars and trucks?

[sfvaliant]

I was wondering if there were any differences in the slant engines or transmissions used in passenger cars vs. the early compact trucks and vans. Would the trucks and vans have different heavy duty components, different cams, gear ratios, anything?

I recently picked up an A100, /6 with 3sp manual trans and sold the Valiant. Wondering mechanically what some of the differences may be. Van is running great and I just took it on a 1500 mile roadtrip over the holidays, but it definitely accelerates slower than the valiant!

 

[BillGrissom]

I have heard that many truck slants had the alternator on the driver's side, so some belt components and brackets may vary.

 

[krazykuda]

The oil pans are different between cars and trucks, they put the hump in different positions to clear the frame and steering configurations.

 

[67Dart273]

I know some of the A100 automatics had that weird "hung from above" transmission mount

Evidently so did some of the stick gearboxes

 

[DodgeLad]

The oil pans are different between cars and trucks, they put the hump in different positions to clear the frame and steering configurations.

Don't the truck pans hold an extra quart? My truck holds 6 qts.

 

[krazykuda]

Don't the truck pans hold an extra quart? My truck holds 6 qts.

Not sure.

I know the hump moves and will interfere in the wrong application...

 

[sfvaliant]

Don't the truck pans hold an extra quart? My truck holds 6 qts.

Interesting. But I believe mine is 5qts.

 

[sfvaliant]

I have heard that many truck slants had the alternator on the driver's side, so some belt components and brackets may vary.

Mine is indeed on the drivers side. Will need to look into if the belt PN is different since I wanted to replace that soon.

 

[sfvaliant]

This might seem like a dumb question, but I guess I'm also just trying to see if doing little things like the 2bbl mod and larger exhaust pipe would get me the same gains as it would on a passenger car. Anything to give the little ol box a boost!

 

[sfvaliant]

Here some pics from of the van if that generates more interest. Been a a blast owning this thing.

Not sure why the pics preview so grainy.

 

[pishta]

Thats awesome, the VAN! If the alternator/generator is on the driver side, it may have a different early head casting with no bracket bolt boss under the water neck. I thought the trucks got a double roller chain and maybe Chrome valves as well as taxi service? Heard the trucks got balancer bolts too, Its all verbal though over beers....All slant hop ups are applicable. Bigger head pipe diameter is job 1.

 

[DodgeLad]

that van is too cool!

 

[Killer6]

Cool ride !! As far as accel goes, well it is heavier w/the aero of a barn door!!
Only real diff. besides some painted yellow, is shot-peened forged cranks on
HD units, not that yours is. I believe the orig. intent was to mount the alt. in
the position where yours is, old promo photos showed that arrangement when
it was intro'd, but P/S takes up the spot on autos, I'm not sure it was ever put
there in a car.

 

[KosmicKuda]

Thats awesome, the VAN! If the alternator/generator is on the driver side, it may have a different early head casting with no bracket bolt boss under the water neck. I thought the trucks got a double roller chain and maybe Chrome valves as well as taxi service? Heard the trucks got balancer bolts too.

I know the early A cars have an indentation on the inner fenders (apron) put there specifically to make room for the alternator.

IIRC, the double roller chain is listed as "truck", taxi, or HD, something like that. The truck 318 (318-3) crank was special too so I wouldn't be surprised if a truck slanty has an upgraded one too.

Nobody's mentioned it but I'd bet the A-100's had a 10" HD clutch instead of the 9-1/4".

 

[Sedanman]

Anyone looking for a Hooker slant 6 header for trucks?

 

[BillGrissom]

Awesome van. That would be a chick magnet at the beach, and curb-side windows keeps it from being a creeper.

I understand there was a later version of the 904 transmission (999 or such) that had improvements (lock-up, ...). I spied a new-looking tranny under a USN passenger van (grey) at PickNPull a few years ago that I recall had a slant engine, probably 1980's. I was tempted, but too-near closing time to pursue.

 

[sfvaliant]

All interesting info!
My VIN indicates the van was built at the Warren heavy duty truck plant. So I would assume it's more likely that it should have more HD components.


Thanks for the compliments! The pics were from a 1500 road trip over over christmas... had a blast!

 

[CordobaDart]

My 83 W150 Slant 6 has a 6 quart oil pan. Rear sump like the truck LA's and Magnums.