narrowing a straight axle, good or bad???

Ok, so my 55 gasser I just purchased a while back has an axle out of who knows what, Im thinking econoline but i havent been around enough to know the difference. The brakes are disk brakes im guessing 70's. My front tires stick out to much and the rims on it now are 3.5 fenton gyro slot mags 1.5 backspacing. I was thinking about having the axle narrowed. I plan on racing this car at some point and want it to be safe. it has a 427 bbc. If the axle can be narrowed correctly and driven on safely then thats what i would like to do but if that doesn't work ill wait to redo the front end later. What would u do?

 

I've had friends who had forged I-beam axles narrowed. Both were welders, but they still only trusted the welding to a certified welder. Both also added small doubler plates to the face of both sides of the axle as well.

 

bad idea..find one that fits ....good luck with ya build

 

not the greatest but here are some pics

 

If I were you, I would find an axle that fits.

 

that axle doesnt look narrowed it looks taffy pulled (heated and pulled to give the car a dropped look)

 

If someone can give me some suggestions on what axle to buy or what else might fit that would help to

 

You don't have a straight axle, you have an I beam. Two different types of axle, at least understand what you have first.

Doc.

 

Those disc brakes are kicking the wheels out the amount that bothers you. Narrowing the axle isn't the answer because then the mounting pads are in the wrong place.

 

I would not trust a narrowed axle oo my Gasser. Find an axle that fits.

 

speedwaymotors.com
sells a straight axle kit for your application ..

 

post up some pictures so we can see your set up would be easier to tell what you have under your ride ..

 

I also saw that. There could be a bearing spacer in there, and maybe it's too long.
It would bring the wheel in, and still not hit the tie rod end. You may need to machine the spindle if it does not have a spacer that can be shortened.

 

Here are some pic of a car that I took last weekend.


Just do this

 

if you have a axle set up already and you dont like the length of the axle why not measure it ,figure out where you want your wheels to sit after everything is back together and order a replacement thats shorter ???

 

If you swap it out go with a 49-54 Chevy truck axle. Very common on Tri-Fives.

 

Because he has an I beam not a straight axle.

 

JIM A, thats what i thought that the disc conversion was kicking the wheels out. The spacer i didn't know about. Ill look into it and also possibly machining the spindle. Lorods I would order a shorter axle but I dont know what its out of nor do I think thats possible unless there a company specifically recasting this axle with different specs doubtful. This work was all done back in the late 60's early seventies. The donner car was a 67 chevelle. I know that because of all the parts on it. Wish i knew what the axle was.As far as where I would be comfortable with the wheels to sit is about 2 inches inward on each side. I didn't think that shortening the axle/I beam was a good idea at all but what do I know. Thats why Im on here asking for help which is greatly appreciated. I looked into the speedway straight axle a week ago or so and i don't want the nose up that high. I like the stance of the car right now. But safety is my first concern. If its not one thing its another...

 

Thanks Jonny Gee, well DocWatson seems like you know alot more about these axles than I do, so how can i find out what this thing is? casting number location or stamped areas whatcha got? just in case i can get the spindles machined, change the bearing, or just sell the damm thing , or anyone with knowledge of I beam axles for that matter.

 

always is ....one after the next ....same with mine ..but anyway i here you i didnt want mine up in the air so i left the a arms .. if you look up shakeypuddin on here you can his build he put a straight axle from speedway and the hight is perfect ..i recomend checking it out im sure you will agree its perfect and he used a speedway axle ..

sorry it wasnt a speedway axle it was a jim tin smith set up...

 

I have checked it out and it is perfect. thanks for the input guys.

 

I didnt actually read your post, but still sure the answer is BAD.

Dont risk it......

 

Life is too short as it is!

 

It's a piece of metal, bend it, heat it, drill it or weld it!!!!!! I cannot believe some of the answers on a tradtional hot rod forum. Yes I have narrowed an I-beam axle, and so have many others before me.

 

im sure you have and im sure you do a great job at it but why risk it ,if you can spend a couple beans and get one already made in one peice at length and is safer ..its just a peice of mind knowing it wont come apart or tweak ..

 

The mid 1960's to 1990's oval track racers around here, Fresno, San Jose, Clovis and Madera, ran narrowed F1 or F100 axles. As stated above cut to width and plated on both sides.

 

Is there a welded up grommet in the swan neck of the axle? Could be a modified Econoline axle.

 

Ditch the discs while you are at it. Period car deserves period brakes.

 

Early Chevy truck axle (49 - 54 as mentioned earlier) fits perfect though you may need to modify spring and shackle mount location. Vic

 

Personally, I'd be more worried about the rear axle. It's tough on tires when the body cuts into the tread.