Register now to get rid of these ads!

Projects Little Truck Doctors 51 Ford Gasser

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by LittleTruckDoctor, Sep 11, 2025.

  1. ididntdoit1960
    Joined: Dec 13, 2011
    Posts: 1,382

    ididntdoit1960
    Member
    from Western MA

    Love this project - you're very lucky to have the mentors you do - my first attempts were disastrous - you are solving MANY problems by putting that axle in - everything from the steering linkage, box, crossmember, etc is in the way when stock....also replacing the stock worn out stuff is a PIA - I did the SBC swap on mine 6 months ago
    PXL_20250706_002410652.jpg
    Will the engine be set back? What are you planning on doing for pedals? Firewall mounted is probably the way to go - hydraulic clutch? I'm using stock linkage - right now I'm using an adapter with the stock trans, but am planning an upgrade this winter to a 4 or 5 speed - for that a Chevy 2 bellhosing is needed as it "clocks" the fork down to the same position as stock - then you just need to fabricate a bracket to mount the z bar to the trans....again, not necessary unless using stock pedal and linkage - are you planning fenderwell headers or under car? Under car almost impossible with master and clutch linkage under the floor and in the way....
     
  2. Under the car for exhaust, the master cylinder will be on the fire wall, definitely not using a hydraulic clutch I have one in my truck and its much more difficult and touchy to drive, I'm not sure about the pedals yet, I'm not quite there but I will post updates, Thanks for your message.
     
  3. deathrowdave
    Joined: May 27, 2014
    Posts: 5,018

    deathrowdave
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from NKy

    I have hydraulic clutch on the Power Wagon , it works very well . I did not want to go that route at first , but it was the only parts provided by Dodge . I’m kinda old school with also , mechanic works all the time . If you must do hydraulic , I’m really not fond of the Throw Out Bearing style , I like the external cylinder . You’re doing great work . Great to see a young gun in the camp .
     
  4. Thank you
     
    Sharpone and Truckdoctor Andy like this.
  5. Sorry I have not posted in a while had a lot going on, we have the springs and rear axle mocked up 20251026_161226.jpg 20251026_161127.jpg
     
  6. I’m so very proud of you and your work!
     
  7. saltflats
    Joined: Aug 14, 2007
    Posts: 13,499

    saltflats
    Member
    from Missouri

    What rear end is that?
     
    enloe, Truckdoctor Andy and Sharpone like this.
  8. A Ford 8.8
     
  9. enloe
    Joined: May 10, 2006
    Posts: 10,076

    enloe
    Member
    from east , tn.

    Keep after it
     
    Sharpone and Truckdoctor Andy like this.
  10. ididntdoit1960
    Joined: Dec 13, 2011
    Posts: 1,382

    ididntdoit1960
    Member
    from Western MA

    Got a new to me OT (1st Gen S10) project going on right now.....threads like this keep me motivated - keep going!
     
    Sharpone and Truckdoctor Andy like this.
  11. Polara 500
    Joined: Mar 21, 2009
    Posts: 3

    Polara 500
    Member
    from Bagdad

    Hi all! Just found this thread & have to throw my 2 cents in.
    I think it's really great that you're doing this with a 4 door; you'll stand out from the crowd with a beast that will draw a lot of attention! I can also tell you that I know from personal experience that "Uncle Lloyd" does excellent work and his advice will always be good advice. He treats all his customers like family and his reputation is SOLID!
    Having said that, just thought I'd get in on the front axle set up debate with a couple of observations: 1) both Chevy and Ford pickups from the 50's early 60's with beam axles had the spring packs anchored at the rear with the shackles at the front as did "big" Jeep Wagoneers (4WD) up through 91. 2) Most of the Speedway straight axle kits are based on using a long straight frame stub; whereas your Ford has a major frame kick up at the front and your rear mounted shackle mount is anchored at what looks like about a 40 degree angle. (looking at 1 of your build pictures) Speaking from personal experience about 50 years back I can tell you that IF you get the car launched hard enough to unload the front end (and spring pack) when that happens, there's a risk that the shackle will pop upward instead of back/downward when the front comes back down causing the shackle to lock against the frame rail, causing the main spring leaves to act as bars rather than absorb the shock (weight of front end) leaving the straight axle to do so, possibly bending the axle itself. (If the spring pack was mounted "level" to a straight frame stub this isn't an issue). If the car is never driven hard, you'll likely never have this happen; just throwing it out there because I learned the hard way once in front of a bunch of folks!
    Lastly, if you are ever in need of one, I do have a spare 50 sedan parts car with a useable frame and I live just a few miles off I 64 between Louisville & Lexington KY right about 300 miles east of Waterloo. I wish you the very best on your project; it's going to be GREAT!
     
    Sharpone, enloe, Robdski and 3 others like this.

Share This Page

Register now to get rid of these ads!

Archive

Copyright © 1995-2021 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.

Atomic Industry
Forum software by XenForo™ ©2010-2014 XenForo Ltd.