Front end advice 28 on 32 rails

Looking for some guidance on my project. I’m building a traditional 28 roadster on duce rails with model a front cross member. I was wondering if anyone had advice on what front-end hardware to use? As far as wishbones, springs and axles are concerned what works and what doesn’t work both visually and mechanically? Right now I have an f100 box and a Model A axle, which I’m not committed to using. I plan on running a 3’ drop on the axle. As always I tried to search the topic if I missed a thread sorry for asking repeat questions.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks
Chris

 

I'm interested in this to. I'm doing the same as you. I've got a 36 axle and wishbone. But I think I need 32 bones. Some one who knows will clear it up...hopefully.

 

The 32 bones are the best and the 32-36 axles is the best as for dropping,model A axle is next in line. Ill drop em for you!

 

It's a bit far for me to ship to you. But I'll take a set of 32 bones if you're offering

 

i think the f-100 box isn't the best choice
the f-1 (48-52) is better looking with the pitman arm thats not so obtrusive
really if your going for the earlier 40's look you should stick with the 32-34 steering or run 35-48 crossteering
you can run the pitman arm up on a cross steer box and it looks pretty nice like loudpedal did on his 30 roadster he recently built

as for the axle....a 32-36 axle would be best as it has a bit of drop in it already i think 1.5" compared to the A
maybe with a reversed eye spring and a leaf or 2 out you wouldnt need to drop it to get the height you want
i have a dropped 32 axle on my car with a stock spring with 3 extra leaves...i think mine is defeating the purpose of the dropped axle
i didnt like how low it sat so i kept adding leaves till i liked it
now i think i may go to undropped and reversed spring like i said
im pretty sure it wont change the height of the car
but it will add a little more caster and raise the clearance in the front so i can use a cherry picker to pull the motor wihout having it up on jack stands
the 32 wishbone is the best to use if you have the stock wheel base
i stretched my wheelbase 1 rivet hole in the front (1.25") and stretched the K-member also to accomidate it
if your changing the wheelbase you can use a 33/34 wishbone and make that longer also
split wishbones are also an option
anything 32-41 would be good...the dipped 42-48 bones weren't really used that much that i see in books...so i would stay away from them on an average traditional car
good luck
Zach

 

Thanks allot for the advice. I was thinking about running un-split 32 wishbones with a 32-36 axle. Are there any clearance issues with the oil pan or steering box when using un-split bones? Was there a difference between the V8 and 4cyl bones? When you use a reversed eye spring does it afect how the bones attach in the K member?

Zach how much is your axle dropped?

Does anyone have a good 32 wishbone or 32 axle they want to sell?

Finally I’m not absolutely positive I have a F100 box what is the difference between F1 and F100? Is there a part number?

Chris

 

EVERONE should have the book by Mike Bishop (av8 on the HAMB) and Vern Tardel , HOW TO BUILD A TRADITIONAL FORD HOT ROD. The answer to all of your questions and a lot more is contained in this treasure trove of information. Nowhere else will you find the old time, tried and true methods and parts recomendations than this book. Buy it , READ it, read it again, and keep it handy while your building. I've got two copies, one for the shop and one for the library (you know where I mean)

Frank

 

Frank

I agree with you totally. I have had a copy for 6 years and read it at least 20 times. That book is with ought a doubt pure gold. The only problem is it focuses mainly on a Model A framed ride. It does cover Duce applications but nut in as much detail.

Thanks
Chris