If I was going to go straight axle with a pickup truck that weighed around 4k lbs., how would I go about doing that? Who makes an axle for something this heavy? What spindles for a 5x 4.75 chevy bolt pattern? How would the ride be? This is only worth it if it drops weight compared to the twin I beams the truck currently uses. Anybody got pics of heavy vehicles with g***er style straight axles under the front?
How 'bout a straight axle from under an old milk/bread truck? Hell, don't the UPS trucks STILL use a straight axle?
Ford trucks all the way up to '64 had straight axles with parallel leafs under them... It pretty much rides the way it looks. But it is a bulletproof setup; it just won't break. But if the only reason for switching from twin I-beams to a straight axle is to lose weight, I wouldn't do it. The difference is next to nothing for the work that would have to be done. Here's a few pics of mine:
i do beleve your right CHIEF i think UPS trucks still have straight axles under them Another option would be a old trash truck i think MACK built some with straight axles
I have been thinking of keeping my strait axle in my 39 chevy its kinda neat it has a anti roll bar and big ol tube shocks, all STOCK. Seen a racer 39 chev at ElMirage and it had strait axle was fast too!
Studebakers, IH, Dodge Pilot house and Power Giant. might need to get wheel adapters for some Gmc Stepvans.
These are all good ideas and places for me to look when I am ready to do this thing. Thanks guys. I like the idea of one from a late 50's chevy truck.
Heck a 4000 pound truck isnt heavy. Most pickups weigh that much. a 55 to 59 truck axel would be what you want , you can put chev 50 to 54 car hubs and drums on them its a bolt on. One note of caution. Lots of chevy cars and trucks had the brake drums rivited to the hubs. If you are using anything other than stock wheels some times those rivets will keep the wheel from seating properly and it can get loose and come off. We always grind the rivet heads off.That way you also can do a brake job without pulling the hubs. OldWolf
To this day a "Heavy Duty" truck will have a stright axle. If your putting it on a Ford why wouldn't use a Ford axle that would bolt right in? Or do you just want a chevy truck?
The reason to use a Chevy 1/2-ton straight axle is the easy access to kits that swap Chevy pattern disk brakes or the used parts approach to put drum brakes on it with the pattern you want. I've no idea what it takes to swap a straight axle under a twin I-beam Ford. If you can consider other bold patterns why not look at econoline axles?
If that's your criteria, then I think the answer is, it isn't worth it. The weight difference is small, and the ride with Twin I-beams is better. You can get dropped Twin I beams, if that's part of your plan.
he probably just wants something that doesnt eat either the insisde or the outside of the tires off.ford twin I beam was the worst idea since custer led our troops!
Well Tomslik....... I am gonna get the **** flamed outa me for this one, but.... I am contemplating a straight axle swap into my 89 F150. The purposes behind the research are.. -An attemp to lighten the front end -Easy and inexpensive height adjustment -Super strong for whatever I decide to do with the truck -Mostly.. cool factor. I dig the old g***er style stuff and Shakey Puddin's axle tech is on the brain -I want the stance and streetable aspects of the Puddin car (regarding the suspension) This truck has sentimental value and is probably the only hot rod that I can safely say will be around for decades in my family. I really want the old hot rod look and feel. This truck has lots of retro feel to me. Vinyl bench, manual everything, old faded silver paint with red FORD letters on the tailgate, V8, AOD, 8.8. I just put in a 350 horse V8 with 5.0 Mustang injection, a little stall, and I have a 4.10 locker setup that goes in after the computer tune. Just want to make what I want out of what I have. I know you guys hate retro stuff on late models and O/T cars, that is why I didn't give specifics before.
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