Projects Little Truck Doctors 51 Ford Gasser

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

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....

 

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.

 

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 .

 

Thank you

 

Sorry I have not posted in a while had a lot going on, we have the springs and rear axle mocked up

 

I’m so very proud of you and your work!

 

What rear end is that?

 

A Ford 8.8

 

Keep after it

 

Got a new to me OT (1st Gen S10) project going on right now.....threads like this keep me motivated - keep going!

 

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!