Need Model A help.

Ok I might be getting a 31 Model A truck that someone had started to HotRod. It's a really great start. It has a rebuilt Dodge RoadRunner engine that has an estimated 500+ hp, rebuilt ******, rebuilt 10bolt camaro rear end, frame Z'd 11inches in the rear, and a mustang 2 front suspension. Guess what I need help with?

I've been an early 50s person and know nothing about the front ends of Model A hotrods. I know I'll need a drop axle to lower the front. So question is, are there any threads or websites that explain in detail how to set up a proper front end for this? Is this conversion going to break the bank?

Any help would be great.
Thanks

 

I take it that you intend to cut off the Mustang II front end and install a dropped axle, cross spring and radius rods?

At least one board member if not several sells dropped axles and will just charge you a core charge if you don't have an axle to send in.

There is also the cl***ified section where someone may have a complete front end setup with dropped axle that they pulled out in an upgrade.

Without seeing photos of the truck and seeing what the builder did or didn't do it is near impossible for anyone to figure out how much it would take to swap it over or if the frame can be changed back to run an axle. I've seen some independent front ends that can be cut off a frame like that with little or no real damage and I have other installations where you are a hell of a lot better off to say to hell with it and build a new frame.
If you just want low to the ground the MII front end can get you low but if the truck is fenderless it may be high on the "that looks ugly" list. I've seen several fenderless rods around here running MII front ends that get driven a lot and may drive pretty nicely but they are not the most attractive rigs around. One is a cut down 34 or so Ford 1-1/2 ton truck made into a shortbed pickup and I saw a 23 style T bucket yesterday with a MII front par***ally hidden by a panel below and in front of the radiator. I actually had to look twice on that one to catch it as he did a fair job of hiding the independent suspension.

I think this is a time you need to stand back and look at the truck with the idea of "can I turn this into what I want or am I better off to find something closer to what I want"? Unless it is so dirt cheap you can't turn it down it may be more work than it is worth.
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Yeah the main goal is to not have it be **** ugly. The frame is a custom built frame and it looks like the MII front would be easy to get off.

I will be doing a flat trade for my 53 Dodge truck. I am most likely going to do the trade(always wanted a Big Block model A) but just want to know what all has to go in to a dropped axle, cross spring and radius rod install?(parts, work, money)


Chances are I will just drive it around for fun with the MII until I get all the parts for the swap.

 

Ya can fetch a copy of the Bishop/Tardel book; How to Build a Traditional Ford Hot Rod.
Probably worth twice the price at least. A good way to get started and as Dr. Leary said, "tuned in" to the traditional mind set. My copy is all scratched and dog eared by now.

 

Rebuilt Road Runner 500+ hp?
So what Road Runner are we talking about? A factory 440 6 pak was rated around 390 I believe and the 426 Hemi at 425. Must be a Real nice '53 Dodge Truck!

Terry

 

is this the one that was on that one site ? didn't seem like to bad of a price , but yeah that mustang 2 setup looked horendous and gots to go !