Ass backwards axle

I have a '48 Austin and would consider using parallel leaf/straight axle up front. But with a drop axle, front end will sit too high for my liking.

Does anyone know if a front axle can be set up ABOVE the springs (like a rear end) instead of the usual axle below the springs? If so, any particular handling or steering geometry issues? Plan on cross steering.

 

Flatter springs should get it down a bit but I thought the whole Idea of running a solid or tube axle on the front with leafs was to get it up to nosebleed altitude.

If you started with a bare (not chromed) tube axle I don't see why you couldn't put the spring pads on the bottom side of the axle as long as you set the caster right. The usual issue with that is steering hitting the springs.
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people do it all the time. there is an F-100 thread going on where he went from under leaf to over leaf to drop it.

aftermarket axles come with the pads not welded on so you can put it wherever you want. might run into clearance problems with the frame though depending on the springs. you could also get a dropped axle.

 

you can put it on top of the springs and it will work. me and a buddy did it to his 67 dodge. the only problems we encountered was frame to axle clearance, oil pan clearance, and steering geometry (bump steer concerns)