Why split wishbones?

I was reading an old Street Rodder on a model A or '32 awhile back (can't remember which). It had a flathead in it with split wishbones. Can someone explain why you would want to split the wishbones when clearance would not be an issue. I figure that the factory set-up would be preferable.

 

Well, a model A and a 32 are two different animals. I imagine you would split the bones on a model A if you had a stock wishbone and were putting in a flathead....because model a bones mount to the trans and puting in a v8 you change out the trans.

 

It looks cool.

 

Probably more a looks thing in this case, also gives you the option of lowering the car without major surgery.
To me the split 'bones looks much better, the loss of practical function is worth it.

Doc.
(Then again I could be miles off base and wrong, I'm good at that, very good!)

 

All the above...with the exception of "it looks cool". Form follows function.

Mainly because of lowering. Not many rods these days sit high enough for the stock bones to clear the underside of the frame rails.

 

It was necessary to put the popular OlDS/Cadillac engines in the frame. There were soon kits selling frame mounts. and it became a popular hotrod thing that became somewhat of a hotrod styling cue and less a necessity.The original idea was for engine clearance.

 

Thanks for posting.Appreciate the info

 

Thanks for the replies. I knew the clearance stuff and the "cool" factor. The real reason I asked is that whenever I start on my '32 5 window I thought that I would just leave the bones as is. I'll be running an original Ford axle that has been dropped about 4" IIRC. So would I need to slit the bones or would my clearance be OK?

 

what engine?

 

...and transmission?

 

The engine is an 8BA with a '39 ****** and Zephyr gears. I figure it should be a "simple" process as the ****** should bolt in where the old model B ****** used to and the engine will bolt in no problem (I hope).

 

I've never built that exact combo, But I ***ume you can get away with not splitting them. That is what I would do. On my AV8 I am using a 59AB and 39 toploader with a dropped 33-34 axle and wishbone not split with a custom mount and a f1 crossmember.

 

It's a common problem that the wishbone will hit the oilpan on this setup. Especially if you use a flat reversed eye spring, model a front crossmember etc. Just mock it up and check the clearance. Some oilpans give a little more clearance...

 

Isn't there a trick to using a truck oil pan on a 8ba so that you don't have to split them?

 

Probably the best answer...mock it up and see..... So it is the 8ba oil pan that is the problem? this is good info.

 

It will be awhile before mock up. I do have a truck pan as well. I'n not sure whether I'm going to use a Model A front cross member or not. The frame is an original frame and is in very good condition. And I don't really want to be outrageously low.

 

splitting them can also make the car handle better by turning the beam axle into an anti roll bar

 

It's a very soft anti-roll bar with that length of moment arm, though.

I've wondered before whether widening the central yoke of the wishbone enough to clear whatever gearbox is going in wouldn't be a better solution. That is, the wishbone becomes less V-shaped and more U-shaped. One can gain a lot of clearance that way without the bending moments at the "shoulders" becoming problematically huge.

 

No, the earlier 59 motors still want to hit. Definately need to mock it up to see....

 

unsplit stock wishbone.



unsplit stock wishbone.

 

If there arent any fitment problems what other reason could there be?