55 chevy straight axle?

Anyone out there do a straight axle with keeping the original frame to keep the option of going back?..If so can you show some pics Im gonna start soon just want some ideas...Thanks

 

Look through these pics.

He used a 47 to 53 chevy axle, springs and perches. Damn near bolt-on..

http://smg.beta.photobucket.com/user/DuckusCrapus/library/Bondo%20Pig

He is a member here at the HAMB too

 

There were a crap load of them done that way back years ago. Unbolt the A frames and throw them in the corner and hang brackets on the frame for the leaf springs. I'd have to think most of those done that way cross steered using the original tri five box and a long drag link to the other side too.

 

Thanks Guys that helps

 

This is how I did it with the Speedway axle and Wilwood brakes.

 

Friggin Sweet! thats exactly what Im looking for....Anything you would do different or not really satisfied with?

 

I built a straight axle '55 Chev Gasser in '64, and my intent was a race car only. If your build is street and possibly strip I personally would reconsider spending the cash on the conversion. A jacked up straight axle front suspension doesn't handle as well as a stock type suspension. But this is based on my experience and once I put the axle in it never again was driven on the street. You do have a good idea not to remove the stock frame so it could be converted back to a-arms. Good luck with your build.

 

I think the main reason for cutting off the frame was to reduce weight and it makes a cleaner looking setup. More room for a larger engine hedders etc. And a straight axle wont handle as good as a stock setup unless its a straight line. I seen a straight axle with the original frame that used a tranverse spring under the front crossmember and radius rods. OldWolf

 

So far I'm happy with the way it came out. A road test will really answer your question. Of course it wont handle like the stock setup but I was shooting for that front end gasser look. If my caster and measurements are right, it should handle good enough to be safe. I don't mind " driving' the car. No power steering or brakes just pure muscle. By the way, I set the caster at 7 degrees and the camber is built into the axle. Bob C.

 

Here's my buddy's '56 with a Chevy van axle:




With the fabbed shock extensions he was able to put stock shocks into the normal upper mounting hole, and then attach to the extended lower mount. Also used one of the stock tierod end brackets and spaced it out to bolt in the upper holes on the opposite side backing plate. Original steering arm, and end of drag link, then heavy tubing welded to a stock tie rod end, so both factory ends could be retained for simplicity, and OEM repalcement ability.

 

Thank's for the pic's Guy's. I have been thinking of doing my 57 like those.

 

There is a thread here on the Hamb . 55 chevy Satifaction. It uses a tranverse leaf spring & axle. OldWolf

 

I have a 55 with a 500 series power steering box on it... Debating on doing just want you did and leave the frame so I can go back if I ever choose to...

Do you think the PS will be in the way?

 

I also built one in the early '70s, that way, Mine was a true straight tube axle under the springs. I used a set of rear leaves from another '55 and an Econoline steering box. Shackles in the front.

It was darn near a bolt in.

The drag link was too short and you could get crossed up real easy. I got real out of shape at the top end once, and I thought it was going to roll. It didn't but I had to change my underwear.

If I did it again, I would do a cross steer and probably remove the front crossmember and bolt in a lighter one.

Sorry, no pictures. We were too busy building cars and racing to take pictures. I wish I had, though!