Hi, based in the UK - I have a 28 Dodge Standard Six that I've stripped ready for upgrading the brakes, steering, and rear axle/suspension. Typical minimal-cost build so I'm considering the front suspension and brake setup. Currently, with wood wheels and cable brakes that will have to go, what would be a simple method of converting to disc, lowering as it looks quite a strong setup with the two side springs and beam. I'm going the SBC engine route (as I have one). Any rear axle suggestions - presume all will need to be narrowed?
Honestly, if you have access in the UK, I'd do a full Ford style transverse leaf swap. That way you immediately get access to parts for brakes, steering, wheels, etc... You won't find anything for the early Mopar frames like you have. If you wanted to mess around you could try and source a similar parallel leaf spring front axle off like a newer (1934-41) Dodge truck and that would at least get you better drum brakes and the standard 5x5" bolt pattern. But I don't know if the spring pad spacing is similar or if the steering would work. Since you're going the hot rod route, and you want to go disc brakes, you would definitely be way ahead getting a universal ford-style drop axle kit and adapt to your frame.
It appears to be right hand drive, or the pic is flipped. So what a bunch of us over here with completely different shops, parts and junkyards would suggest may not work for you. Typical minimal-cost build = basic kit VS junkyard parts and home fab. Nothing is going to bolt on as mentioned, so fab work either way. How much can you do? Upgrading the brakes, steering and rear axle/suspension I'd look to what other UK and Australian builders are doing. Telling you to grab a 19** Dodge rear axle and springs isn't going to work for you when there aren't any cheap on your side of the pond. All of our steering is on the wrong side, and will play into the front end parts. Look at domestic (for you) high production, basic suspension that is under a similar weight vehicle. Light or Medium duty lorry with solid axle parallel leaf spring front? Power steering and discs? Same track width? Life is good! I wasn't able to quickly find the track widths or other ch***is data, but this is a source for a bunch of American stuff. https://www.crankshaftcoalition.com...idth,_and_differential_measurements#Mopar_car I'd suggest you add "In The UK" to the ***le so you get better guidance.
Being in the UK what about Jag front and rear ends?. If you're still wanting to go with the straight axle look what about a Ford Transit van set up. Suppose it's all about visiting a local breakers yard with your trusty tape measure. Solid rear end could be an early Jag/Daimler, early Mercedes v8 or similar. Early solid Jag rear ends are disc brake (solid rotor could switch over to ventilated discs). Maybe Rover v8 rear end. Stacks of options for the cost conscious build.
OT for here. I would agree with the Ford type front end. If you have access to Toyota Hilux pickups, 2wd versions have a late Ford 5 bolt pattern. At least 80's /early 2000's as far as I know. Normally 56 1/2" wheel face to wheel face. Many ratios available. Strong.
Hi, fellow UK inmate here! For the front I'd go with the suggestion above of looking at a full early Ford style I beam front end kit from the likes of Speedway. (or ***emble the kit of original parts yourself) As far as rear ends go, look at 80's Volvo units. they may need narrowing but will be plenty strong enough for a stock/mild SBC and are much more plentiful than a US based vehicle. I don't think you necessarily need disc brakes up front, a well setup drum brake can perform just as well and will look waaaaaaaaay better. As mentioned above, what is your skillset? this will define how tight you can make the budget, there will be a lot of fab work to get this where you want it. Bolt-on it is not! All the best to you though bud, should be a cool car once finished.
Despite the supposed reputation of Hilux's most are pretty dang rotten over here sadly and most are 4wd too(6 lug).
Oh. They are one of the biggest selling vehicles here, for decades. I'm going to guess we have more 2wd than 4wd, petrol, diesel, manual, auto...
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