I'm buildin a 33 Chevy 3 window for the wife & we are wrestling with the front end. She likes it the way it is & I want to drop it. I was thinking a 3" drop (If one can be found). I beam not a tube. Yes we want the HAMB's opinion. And just for the hell of it one from the back.
Right now the way it sits the top of the grille shell is almost 47" from the ground. So once the motor is it in it should drop an inch or two. 45" is kinda high (I think). I know it's her car trouble is; every car she points out to me that she likes has a dropped axle. I was hoping to have the HAMB convince her to drop it. Maybe I'm wrong?
I don't have the motor yet but I do have an empty block & heads for mock-up. I could put that in and stand on the frame to see where she sits...(I'm 400 pounds by the way) That should get me close to the weight. Right?
Id change out the front crossmember,Youll pick up 2 inches I think.Id do that first .You need the flat one.....I really hope your not at 400 pounds ,Very unhealthy my friend...Should work though.........
That should work Im just seeing a early spring w long shackles over a late axle …. These things rub the axle w short shackles when the bushing wear out
It looks like you already have a stock axle. Build it how she wants, then say "I told you so" when she wants to drop it. Just kidding. Its her car... Make mama happy.
I knew it was a late (46) axle but I didn't know about the spring. So if I got an early dropped axle it should bolt up? Sorry for my ignorance this just isn't my thing...Yet.
That is my full intention but the thing that confuses me is she keeps sayin "I like the way that car looks" and it's always a dropped axle.
The guy that was building this car did such a nice job on the frame I'd hate to cut it all up (god rest his soul). All the welds are ground & filled. It's almost too purdy.
That looks like a 37 to 41 axle ….. Yes a 28 to 36 would go w that spring and can be dropped a bit more than to 37 - 41 axle anyway….better axle IMO You probably have 2 ¼” bat wings 28 - 31 axle takes 2 ¼” 32 - 36 axle takes 2” 37 - 48 axle takes 2 ¼” New axles I believe all use a shorter spring … so you would need there spring also. Sorry to say also That panhard bar looks very short (possible bump steer)
Z-man beat me to the first comment, and 296 V8 the last. I'm pretty sure that it is a '37-'41 axle. There are a few aftermarket axles that do have the 36" perch spacing of the '28-'36, but I'd have to look up who makes what. I would prefer an original Ford axle dropped myself, and have heard good things about 296 V8 aboves work. If she keeps pointing out cars with a dropped axles, that should probably be the way you go. No offense intended, and I know you didn't ask, but I would rethink the rear fenders too.
first get it all ***embeld then decide then remember what zman said, is it her car? ...... why does everyone think everything needs to be dropped on here? i like cars with air under them unless its a custom then a RESPECTABLE static drop is in order
Do it her way first. If it looks bad she will tell you. Not that hard to change the axle. You have a lady that likes hot rods! In my age group hot rods and women don't seem to mix.
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