Hi 49Fast . . . my ride is the same . . . nice choice!
And I too like the three-on-the-tree and the torque tube drive line. Mechanical ODs that mate up are rare. Truckstell is what to look for. If you are switching to an open drive line the stock gear box will probably have to go as well. In the stock setup the Spicer universal joint is lubricated by the same gear oil supplied to the tranny case . . . it collects in the ball and eventually drains into the rear axle by design. Not sure if a tighter seal can be fitted.
Personally, I am sticking with the 216, 6 volt electrics, worm-gear-sector-pit-man-arm steering and Huck brakes . . . for me it wouldn't be '49 without them.
As for AC mine has 460 air: open two wings; two windows and go 60! Works quite well in Ohio.
regards,
stock49
