After a bit of help with front end selections. I've bought a set of A model split wishbones for my 34 Ford but I'm new to the whole I beam front end deal. Traditionally what size axle would suit 34 ford? I want to keep the wheels in as close to chassis as possible with a 4 inch drop axle? Any ideas? Ironically it's our hunt to be individuals that make us all the same.
Model A wishbones are too weak to split or under the weight of a V8, plus have zero rake. For a '34 you can use anything newer then an A but you need to get the right axle to fit (some are 2" and some are 2 1/4" thick). 1932 to 1934 being the most desirable and most expensive wishbone/axle. While the 42-48 seem to be the cheapest, most likely because they're too wide for a hot rod and you can't drop the axles as much. http://oregonhotrod.com/ford_axle_id.htm http://hotrodconfidential.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=19 http://lonestarbodyshop.blogspot.com/2012/03/early-ford-wishbones.html http://www.droppedaxles.com/FORD_AXLES.html
Anything with 47" size, as long as its forged, not cast. http://www.est1946.com/forgedaxles.aspx I happen to run across a superbell alum. forged I bean with 4" drop, and it has the 2.25 bosses for the use of 37-41 wishbones. If you find an original 32 I beam, your locked into finding the desireable wishbones with the 2" bosses.
I had a aluminum Super Bell,,it scared me to death. We were standing around talking one afternoon and a guy just kicked the tire and the axle flexed,I replaced the beautiful aluminum light weight axle with a heavy Forged axle from Chassis Engineering and never looked back. HRP
If you are going fender-less, the best looking axle would be a dropped original '33-'36 axle. If you are running fenders one of the narrower aftermarket axle might be a better choice, along with paying attention to any additional width that may be added by the brakes you chose. Personally, I think the Model A bones would look a little short on a fender-less car. I would look toward using '35-'36 wishbones, they provide a little more room to run the tie rod under the tube. They do have a 2" yoke that fits the stock '33-'36 axle; but you can get aftermarket axles with 2" bosses or cut the readily available 2-1/4" perch boss axles down.
Keep in mind if you go with a narrow after market axle, then you'll need a spring that matches the also narrower spring perch bolts. The narrower the better the look on a fender less 34.
A dropped 33-36 axle is the best for a 34. Dropping it can narrow it a bit, which can be used to advantage. I have one on my 33. Mart.
I agree with Mart, a dropped 33-36 axle works well. Stay with original or forged aftermarket axles and away from anything that is cast.
Just to re-open the thread - what did you go with? I'm looking at a beam for my fenderless 34 3wdw now
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