Projects 40 axle and spindle strength

I am building my 40 ford truck, i have the stock axle and spindles, and a dropped 40 or 41 axle and spindles. It will be powered by a big block Chevy or ford. My question, is the stock axle and spindle strong enough support the truck. It will be used as a daily driver, will go to the drag strip occasionaly, and should be able to tow my car and trailer. Basically it will be my hot rod 1/2 ton p/u.

 

Yes.

 

You might check into a heavier front spring. When I bought my Posie spring for my 37 axle, they asked wither it was for a big block or small block engine.

 

Great, thanks for the replies!

 

I've put the old Ford axles to some pretty good tests with a BB (455 Olds) and found the weak point to be the tapered axle keys. If the key way in the axle is good, the key is of harder stock, and the axle nut is kept TIGHT they hold up well with reasonable rubber.

 

He's talking about the front axle and spindles.

 

I'd think that the original Ford axle may be much stronger than some of the stuff people replace it with even after it is dropped. I've never heard of a Ford I beam bending because someone (with good sense) put a big engine in the rig.