I have just recently aquired two 29 chevy 1.5 tons. Both are in pretty decent shape considering they're almost 80 years old. anyways. I need some guidance and I was hoping to get it from you guys. Here are my thoughts I want to drop the rear 10 inches using a tranverse spring in the rear like the one, the boys of the Voodoo kings built. My question is what kind of axle should I use in the front? Im trying to figure out how to drop this and put a 454 I have in it. I live in interior alaska and have nobody to turn to for advice. I have never z'd a frame so any tips there would be much appreciated as well. I think I can figure most of this out but any insight would be tremendously helpful. Especially on the front axle. Well thanks alot in advance. Jess
Start reading all the posts on here, and do a little searching. You will see that most of the open wheel hot rods out there run a straight axle in the front. Primarially 28-48 ford front axles, or aftermarket. The right combination of drop/spring/mount style etc. will get you to whatever ride height you desire. This front end style uses a transverse spring. ( not like your chebys parallel leafs) You can run split wishbones , hairpins, or a number of other things. Better start at the drawing board before you start hacking.. All the front end stuff is available in the aftermarket. Go to Speedway's website and request a catalog. Good luck building, theres alot of knowlege on this site, so read up..
Root around in the TECH Archive, and do a search or two, you'll find everything you need here on the H.A.M.B. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=8
Check out this thread I started a few months ago http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=150434
No matter what you choose to do,good luck and keep us posted. I'd post pics of mine,but i'd get too much abuse,started building hi-tech street rod,with stainless a arm,wilwood hub & brakes,4 link rear.Now thinking of selling & starting over.I saw the error of my ways,keep it traditional.
You are not completly alone. I can get a number of complete Ford front ends from the 40s. I am putting a 47 axle with truck brakes and spindles on my dodge project. It has a good size drop in stock form which is nice. I am just getting started mocking everything up. I have the steel for the frame and links bars. We should get togther and see what we can come up with.
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