just getting into a new project here, and i have a nice pile of parts to work with. i have 49 plymouth 3 window coupe body i have the original frame with the (stock?) 8.75 rear end. also got the beginning of a rec tubing chassis. i'm planning on putting a 440 mated to a 727 in it. also got a dana 60 rear end and a straight axle. i'm not planning to go fast enough to need a full cage as this is my first build. i would like to use the original frame as it is in good condition as well as the 8.75 rear end (i have heard they can take a beating). Question: i would like to know the true advantages of a straight axle. Why is it such a popular swap? i would assume it is lighter and more simple to work with. is there more to it than that? i like the gasser look with the front end real high but since this is a street car i dont want to get ridiculous if there is no need ex. torching off the front end to lose some weight. im a fan of function and the front suspension seems pretty solid so far. ( but i already have the straight axle too) just want to get a good game plan before i start.( i hear thats kind of important to do) any opinions/ advice appreciated
If your after looks and you like the looks of it go with a straight axle .I did itmyself on a Falcon a few years back.It was a daily driver /strip car ocassionally.I had to get it out of my system and i did.Mine was an MAS tube axle and i thought it actually drove better than the stock Falcon frontend did .On the other hand if your after function (weight transfer) on the strip i wouldnt do it as there was a reaon why racers got away from them way back when.Its tough to get one to weight transfer like an independent frontend IMO and i wouldnt do it again for a race only deal.If your not after serious racing with it and want the look then go for it.BTW ,nice choice on the Mopar in a Mopar thing and the 8.75 rearend is tough as nails and more effecient than a 9 inch as far as getting power through it .The straight axle and stubed frame can free up sum weight and also add more room to work under the car ,but its not as light as alot of other types especially ifyou use an I beam instead of a tube axle.Good luck with the build ...
Thanks. you said it perfectly about having to get it out of your system. I would like the experience under my belt, and that should be reason enough.
Anytime .It will get tons of looks on the street ,so be prepared to explain what a "Gasser" is everytime you stop ...
i have commited to the straight axle but still wasnt happy with the historical WHY. here are some of the things i have found, not sure whats true whats not but they all sound good to me. 1. rules stated you had to have a hood and nothing could be sticking out the top. raising the hood and lowering the engine allowed for taller intakes. 2. raise the front end to shift more weight to the rear. 3. keeps wheels straight when they are off the ground unlike IFS. much safer. 4.cheaper at the time. 5. easier to fit larger engines and headers in engine compartment. 6. someone also mentioned something about how they looked kind of cool add to it, debunk it, just stick it in your head to feel smart later. later guys
I don't know and can't remember which specific thread it was but someone stated that the weight savings swapping over to a straight axle was not worth the savings. Said that the difference in weight was so minimal that you wouldn't even notice it in the car. With that being said I was going to do a straight axle in a '51 Dodge. This swap will require a stub and will need to get springs made.
IFS can be set up with the correct alignment on a dragcar to compensate for the lift on the frontend during the launch and the wheels stay straight and true if done correctly. If IFS is setup correctly with good drag shocks and traction methods out back it will weight transfer way better than a rigid Gasser axle frontend. Agreed on the cool Nostalgia look that a straight axle offers ,as its really the only advantage to it in this day and age,but function isnt everything IMO ...
Check ouy some back issues of Street Rodder. They are doing a 49 Plymouth coupe with a straight axle plus making other improvements.
The Jalopy Journal
