Does anyone have any pictures or sketches of how I can modify a stock front crossmember for 34 Ford, so that the spring will sit higher in it? What would the maximum amount be that I can raise it? I remember reading that one could cut out the center and weld in some flat bar higher up, but a visual would help. Thanks.
I raised mine about 4" by cutting the crossmber up into appropriate pieces then raised the center section of it and filled in the balance with the cut out pieces. If that makes any sense?
I used an old 40 Ford front cross member for my deuce frame. Cut the stock member in 3 pieces with straight cuts where it angles to the center section,the 2 sides pieces will now need to be cut on the edges to meet the center piece at 90 degrees to make the whole member flat. It won't change the length by doing this, it will only take out the angles. All it will cost you is time and effort, I used a metal chop saw for mine, then welded it back together. I did the same thing with the rear using a 40 rear member...
If you are going to run a stock style rad, set it on the crossmember mounting pads and measure how much you can raise the center of the crossmember with out contacting the bottom tank.
This works the best but be sure your engine pulleys don't go over the X-member. As you know, the radiator sits in front of the X-mamber and the lower outlet can be a problem unless you modify the lower tank mount. I believe there is another thread on here that explains this situation.
I never had an original radiator so I mocked one out of cardboard and had Superior Radiator out of Mt. Clemens replicate it in aluminum for me. I fabbed up a bracket which mounts to the top of the rad to hold the grillshell & mount the strut rods to. Using the stock rad tabs was out if the question with a 5" channel so I made a rad cradle which lets it sit lower than the crossmember.
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