Technical hot rod

Seeking comments

Trying to decide whether or not to use original 32 K member rather than go for more service friendly 40 style X member in 32 Ford chassis.

Removing the engine to access the transmission does not appeal to me as much as removing the closed drive rear. I know removing the engine is not a big deal but re-aligning the hood does not appeal to me either.

Using a 35 to 40 x member, would permit using 39 brake and clutch pedal****embly, where using the 32 K member limits to using the 32 brake****embly. I know there are different methods to use the 32 pedal****embly including using a bell crank****embly to change pull to push motion. Or remove the arm and weld to the bottom of the pedal. That does not appeal to me as I tried it years ago.

If using a 40 style X member, how difficult to use un-split wishbone? Seems to me using dropped axle would require relocating the ball end of the wishbone lower in order to retain correct caster. When using an original K member and un-split wishbone, seems like the ball end should be lowered too. Or pie cut the wishbone axle yokes and re-weld.

If using a 40 style X member, will the 39 brake****embly allow the clutch pedal to go all the way to the floor? Some of the aftermarket X members require a notch in the left forward leg for clutch pedal travel.

Using the 32 K member would require a lot less engineering than any other center cross member and may be the least effort in a "KeepItSimpleStupid" build.

Your thoughts please.

Jack

 

If you are happy with an early ford 3 speed and torque tube drive, the 32 k member is ok. If anything involving 5 gears or an overdrive is called for then some sort of x member is the ticket. Modifying a 32 pedal for hydraulics has been dome countless times before successfully. I wouldn't rule that out because your previous experience was not a success.

Mart.

 

Having been there, I'd do the removable cross member.

 

Just dropping the axle shouldn't effect the wishbone. the axle drop is from the perch pins out to the king pin boss. However, because of caster, the spindle could move back 1/4-5/16 in. It seems you would have to move the crossmember to correct for this ; or leave the fenders off.

 

Do the x member and box the front and back ... You'll be glad you did ... Especially if they are aftermarket rails you could use a BB wish bone yolk to drop the bones down also