I recently purchased a new frame built by Lobecks Hot Rods which is based on a 1940 Ford Coupe but is boxed and has mustang 2 front crossmember installed. I am getting ready to install the rear 4 link suspenion but have no idea where the axle centerline is or what the stock axle height is from the bottom edge of the frame to the top of the axle. It is a ford 9 inch axle if you need to know, and i just need anapproximate height measurement. The frame I have does have 2 small pin holes that have been drilled into the side of the frame which may very well be the location points for the axle centerline and they measure 29 1/4 inches from the rear most part of the frame to the holes. Does this sound correct or does anyone know what the proper way of finding this information out would be. I am going to be contacting Lobecks but i thought i heard they closed so if that is so hopefully you guys can help me out.
If all else fails throw the front together then measure from centerline of spindles to centerline of rearend. I believe 40's are 114" but don't take my word on that. As for ride height that's your preference.
This is it, I don't know if it will help or not. If you still need some measurements, let me know and I will get my '37 on jackstands tomorrow and do some measuring for you. http://www.wescottsauto.com/Tech/FrameDiagram1935-40.pdf Edit-I just jacked the rear of my '37 up and measured. On my original frame I get 28" from the rear of the frame to the rear of the 9" housing. So, add half the housing OD and it comes to 29 1/2" so the 29 1/4" is probably where they figured for the centerline of the rear axle.
I think its 113 Inches thats wat I put mine on and it looked correct . But im sure they should have a sight out there that could tell you the distance. The 37 spiffy has should be the same
Ford cars had a 112" WB from '33 to '40, going to 114" in '41. I would position your body on the frame before I located the rear axle to be really sure, since the frame is not an original, IMO.
I agree. A lot of work, but not as much as having to relocate all your brackets etc if you get it wrong. A body will typically have to go on and off several times in a build.
I used 1-1/4" thick lowering blocks to get a dimension from the bottom of the frame to the top of a 9" Ford axle housing of 4". This puts the running board (rear) height @ aprox. 8-1/2". It varies from side to side.
Just sitting here watching Indiana Jones on USA and for some reason (my mind was drifting) it dawned on me about what the proper measurements are. While I lived in NY we bought alot of frames from Barry and installed Mustang II fronts and located the front wheel centerline at 16" from the front like in the Wescott diagram. Barry liked to move them forward alittle and installed them at 15 or 15 1/2 " from the front. (don't know if the shop is still doing that--don't know who is running it now) Anyway, 16" from the front like in the diagram and 112" for the wheelbase and that should end up at the 1/8" hole that they drilled in the frame.
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