Register now to get rid of these ads!

front axle "flip"?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by punkroder, Apr 25, 2008.

  1. punkroder
    Joined: May 14, 2007
    Posts: 75

    punkroder
    Member
    from socal

    I got a 41 dodge truck that I want to lower, on the cheap. The rear is getting a 9", flipped and C notched. For the front I was thinking of doing the same , but Ive never seen it done. Anybody done this or seen it done? Any help would be appreciated, thanks.
     
  2. punkroder
    Joined: May 14, 2007
    Posts: 75

    punkroder
    Member
    from socal

    Nice build! But Im looking to keep the parallel leafs and mount the axle above them and maybe notch the frame for clearance.
     
  3. milkmankael
    Joined: Feb 18, 2004
    Posts: 150

    milkmankael
    Member

    There have been quite a few discussions regarding an "underslung" setup on here. A quick search will get you some of the answers that you are looking for.

    Kael
     
  4. G V Gordon
    Joined: Oct 29, 2002
    Posts: 5,722

    G V Gordon
    Member
    from Enid OK

    The biggest problem in what you are talking about is figuring out how to C-notch the oil pan.
     
  5. punkroder
    Joined: May 14, 2007
    Posts: 75

    punkroder
    Member
    from socal

    the axle has a bend to clear the pan and about 6" clear as it sits.
     
  6. punkroder
    Joined: May 14, 2007
    Posts: 75

    punkroder
    Member
    from socal

    thanks Kael I"ll do the search.
     
  7. G V Gordon
    Joined: Oct 29, 2002
    Posts: 5,722

    G V Gordon
    Member
    from Enid OK

    That comment was a little tounge in cheek but I think once you get the axle on top of the springs you will find that 6" disapears rather quickly. Not saying it can't be done but I think it will be more work than you think.
     
  8. hivolt76528
    Joined: Dec 27, 2005
    Posts: 61

    hivolt76528
    Member

    Yes , in my little weak mind I am thinking you are going to be losing about 4 inches of that 6 inch gap between the oil pan and the axle. Some careful measuring will get you the answer you need there . The safety thing though I am not to sure it would be safe at all without some serious machine work to build spacers to go between the spring and the now top side stock mounts . I personally wouldn't do it --my mind is telling me it just isn't the right way or safe way to do this type of a drop .
     
  9. ALindustrial
    Joined: Aug 7, 2007
    Posts: 852

    ALindustrial
    Member


    HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
    one bad thing about those old dodges.. is you will get bumpsteer like a mofo if you flip the front axle... i have proof... unless you can reengineer the steering
     
  10. punkroder
    Joined: May 14, 2007
    Posts: 75

    punkroder
    Member
    from socal

    I think Ill go a different way. how does this sound; I found a ford explorer frame with three good firestone radials and a pinto gas tank .This way I know all the safety has been built in by the pros.!
     
  11. Measure some 70s-80s rusty station wagons, find one with the same track and similar frame width, and clip it. Power steering, discs, and a modern V-8. Probably get the whole car for a few hundred.
     
  12. kbee fed
    Joined: Apr 22, 2008
    Posts: 13

    kbee fed
    Member

    I got a 41 dodge truck front axle on my nostalgia dragster... With the center droop and all...
    You can slip the leaf springs under axle, but not flip the axle...

    You may need some trick custom transfer brackets from oem spring pads to mount spring under...

    Do transfer the center bolts from the pad, right through the axle, stock c'bolt size is 0.615'' on mine, but you could drill 3/8 right through to center new mounting pads...

    Rene Gagner, kbee fed
    gagnermotor.com
     
  13. punkroder
    Joined: May 14, 2007
    Posts: 75

    punkroder
    Member
    from socal

    thanks Rene, I didnt think of drilling through to center. I never ment flipping the axle over, just moving it above the springs. Is it ok to weld pads to a forged axle?
     
  14. Cad La Dave
    Joined: Apr 15, 2008
    Posts: 225

    Cad La Dave
    Member
    from CA

    Can you send it out to get dropped?
     
  15. Underslung? Did you even read what this guy is trying to do? He's not anywhere near trying to attempt and "underslung" suspension setup.
     
  16. tylersloan
    Joined: Apr 15, 2008
    Posts: 138

    tylersloan
    Member
    from baytown tx

    your in the same boat is me i found a goddamn post on the HAMB before but i cant find it and seems like no one can find it ?????????? so what i read of it before i lost it is you weld squar stock to the bottom of the ibeam make it look like a u shape put your u bolts upside down on the axel and bolt it back up just rember you might have to move the sterring box up the same amount as the axel to avoid bump steer
     
  17. milkmankael
    Joined: Feb 18, 2004
    Posts: 150

    milkmankael
    Member

    I know that he is not trying to do a complete underslung setup, but some of the same information will be involved with the change in axle location.
     
  18. HotRodDrummer
    Joined: Dec 10, 2002
    Posts: 1,827

    HotRodDrummer
    Member


    Only if you really know how to weld, and by know, I mean proper pre and post heating, tig welding with the right rod and proper heat....

    I don't suggest it.
     
  19. stacks1938
    Joined: Apr 20, 2006
    Posts: 165

    stacks1938
    Member

    On my '56 (which is probably similar to your '41) I toyed with the same idea, putting the front springs below the axel. On mine there would be interference with the tie rod hitting the springs. I plan to remove 4 or 5 of the 9 leaves and have the main leaf eyes reversed. I think this will drop the front 4 inches or more. I have already underslung the rear and hope to get the truck as level as possible.

    I have pics (which are too big to load here) that you can see if you email me at post56@live.com

    Jack
     
  20. punkroder
    Joined: May 14, 2007
    Posts: 75

    punkroder
    Member
    from socal

    lets see; I dont want to pay $400.oo to have it stretched 4". I dont want to clip it. so maybe remove a couple leaves and relocate the perches? bump steer is an easy fix, so Ill worry about that later. Thanks
     
  21. punkroder
    Joined: May 14, 2007
    Posts: 75

    punkroder
    Member
    from socal

    I know that pre/post heating is required for welding cast iron ,is it the same for forged steel?
     
  22. HotRodDrummer
    Joined: Dec 10, 2002
    Posts: 1,827

    HotRodDrummer
    Member

    Yes, also I forgot to mention after you get done to bury the piece DEEP into oil dry and leave it there until it is cool.

    I still don't suggest it....
     
  23. ...does Posies or someone make mono-leaf springs for these?...that'd be a simple way to lower it.
     

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.