Hi 47 chevy rod,
First, what is your name? Second, recently saw a '49 1/2 ton with a 350 in it on a stock frame and front end with a stock steering box. Nice conversion with A/C, etc. A real daily driver. whoever did the work did it right. as far as the exhaust and steering box clearance is concerned, I did some research and looked at this other truck I mentioned. In this '49, he has manifolds, not headers. On the driver side, he has a reversed manifold (took a PASSENGER side manifold and put it on the driver side). This gives a front dump of the exhaust instead of rear dump and provides PLENTY of clearance to the steering box without moving it. On the passenger side, he has a CENTER dump exhaust manifold which clears the frame nicely on that side. It didn't look like the old "Ram's Horn" mainfolds that I have seen, but a Ram's horn manifold would certainly work for that application and they are readily available as reproductions. Just google it and you will find it. That leaves your truck's front end and steering completely stock except for obviously having to weld or bolt in new motor mount brackets to the frame and using a new cross-member. Oh yeah, you'll be putting a turbo 350 trans on that V-ate so you'll have to trash the old rear end set-up with torque tube and put in a new rear. I hear that Camaro rear ends fit nicely and that S-10 four wheel drive rear ends are even better because the four wheel drive rears are positraction. Not sure about the Camaro or S-10 rear options as I only have it on heresay, as I abandoned the 350/350 swap idea on my truck as it appeared it was going to be too much work and money. If you do put in a V-ate, remember these trucks were not designed for that much power or speed and the stock braking system will be woefully inadequate. Why not do what I did since you want to keep it stock? I listened to Nate and put a thread on the '55-'59 forum looking for a good running 235 from a hot-rodder who did a V-ate conversion. The next day, the nicest guy responded and I took a drive to pick up the 235 he had in his garage when he did his swap 2 years ago. The engine was COMPLETE, with starter, generator, etc all the way to the tailshaft of the trans. Best thing about it is he GAVE it to me no charge. Just wanted it out of his shop space. Lots of good running 235's out there for the taking and they are CHEAP or free. Look on the stovebolt page and you will see many available. don't know where you live, but there is a cherry one up in Connecticut for $150.00 that I know of if you are close. I have seen this engine and it is CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN. Has only 1500 miles since a rebuild and it is just sitting on a pallet in a heated shop space waiting for someone who needs it.
Andy
Good luck with your rig!
Just make 100% sure that you get with someone who knows what they're doing because if it's not right then your whole truck won't be right. As far as rear ends the S-10 blazer four wheel drive rear end 1998 and up is posi-trac and disc brakes. If you're using the stock width wheels, then this rear end is wonderful and can't be beat. If you're going big rims like me then use a two wheel drive blazer rear end because it is more narrow and will be able to tuck up to a 22X10 in rim under the fenders. Just my take on the situation.