Projects Model A front member

Hi Guys,
Everybody knows that when you build an AV8 you replace the front member of the model A frame with an aftermarket front member so you can lower the front end by one inch (or more). But I notice in the Bishop/Tardel book they kept the stock front member. They lowered the front end with a dropped axle and reversed eyes on the spring. Can anybody explain to me the pros/cons of changing out the front frame member?
Thanks

 

You put a Model A front crossmember in a 32 frame to lower it.

 

never done it, but i believe the a member is just fine in an A frame, and usually in a 32 frame they use an A member to get lower. its already tight clearance for the crank nut, raise the cross member, and it gets worse

 

got a stock cross member in my A...

 

This is the traditionally correct answer.

Beware also that there are some aftermarket Model crossmembers that are flatter than a real A crossmember.

 

I thought everybody knew that when you build an AV8 you don't use aftermarket parts. There is nothing wrong with using the stock A front crossmember in your A frame. If you need an extra inch of lowness, use a flatter spring.

 

The stock x-member on my '31 frame was cracked so went with the 1" lower '32 member from SoCal. Not the straight replacement that some posts have made it sound like, but definitely doable. Between that, a reverse eye spring and a 4" drop axle, the front sits right where I want it. Grind off the rivet heads and use the holes to plug weld the replacement as well as perimeter weld the member to the rails. Boxing helped too.

 

If building a period car the factory Ford crossmember can look more at home imo.. They just look like a lot of time and energy went into the stampings..

 

Pros:
- You bought a new after market front cross member.

Cons:
- You bought a new after market front cross member.
- You have less money than you did before.
- You went through the effort of drilling out the rivets, welding up the holes, and welding in the new crossmember to gain a 1" drop.
- You ditched the original front cross member.

Unless you plan on laying the frame on the ground, it's certainly easier to toss and drop axle and reverse eyes under the original crossmember to achieve a lowered front. And unless you're building a frame from scratch, I don't see why you'd make more work for yourself.

I'm building an AV8 (albeit, my V8 is an Olds 303) and I'm using the original front crossmember.

 

Traditional A V8's back in the day were really not that low in front, however, I personally like them low...

 

Thanks guys. Thank you especially for Alchemy's reminder about after market parts. The stock cross member stays.