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Hot Rods model A front cross member question

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by maddog, Jan 18, 2023.

  1. maddog
    Joined: Sep 3, 2006
    Posts: 695

    maddog
    Member
    from So Cal

    Building a 29 model A Tudor Sedan. I am using a dropped front axle and split wishbones all typical stuff. With the back of the car sitting a bit higher how do I get the correct fit of the front spring to the cross member?
    Do I need to cut it loose and re-weld to get a good fit that doesn't twist the spring or shackles while achieving proper caster? A wedge?
    I know y'all have done it many times and probably in different ways.
    I'd love to hear your favorites.
     
  2. Pete Eastwood
    Joined: Jul 27, 2011
    Posts: 1,327

    Pete Eastwood
    Member
    from california

    You're over thinking it.
    If the car sits on a normal "hot rod rake,
    the crossmember will be just fine.
    There is already a bit of caster built into the stock cross member.
    You would have to have a pretty extreme rake to necessitate a change
     
  3. 1946caddy
    Joined: Dec 18, 2013
    Posts: 2,357

    1946caddy
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from washington

  4. maddog
    Joined: Sep 3, 2006
    Posts: 695

    maddog
    Member
    from So Cal

    As usual, you guys are great. Thanks
     
  5. alchemy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2002
    Posts: 22,675

    alchemy
    Member

    Springs bend as they work, that's what they do. A couple extra degrees at the max isn't going to ruin anything.
     
  6. fiftyv8
    Joined: Mar 11, 2007
    Posts: 5,401

    fiftyv8
    Member
    from CO & WA

    No pic's so not 100% sure but if you are concerned about rake it might be that you need to step your ch***is at the rear to allow for levelling adjustment for rake and to prevent the diff hitting the ch***is rails.
    Take a look at some of the after market ch***is's on offer to help you get your head around it.
    Good luck with your build and keep posting and/or asking questions...
     

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  7. clem
    Joined: Dec 20, 2006
    Posts: 4,678

    clem
    Member

    Set ch***is up at ride height, put angle finder on top of cross member.
    Match that angle to castor 90 degrees. Castor usually 5 - 10 degrees depending on who you ask.
    ( I used 7 degrees as that’s what the majority said at the time).
    I never did this when I built my ch***is originally and after a few test runs the spring was going in directions that I didn’t like, so I tweaked the cross member afterwards rather than put a wedge in it.
     

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