IFS vs Straight Axle on my '40

I am using a dropped straight axle with tube shocks, sway bars, and posie springs. The car handles and rides very good. I am running small front tires, bigger ones would really help the ride but not look as cool.
I would worry more about the brakes.

 

Labold, "I am running small front tires, bigger ones would really help the ride but not look as cool".

Smaller tires also makes for easier steering especially if you still run that 17" stock steering wheel.

 

1 more reason to leave it alone

 

A 40 Ford without a straight axle is like an ungly blonde. It just aint right son. Not somethin ya everwanna see.

Well said...I must agree. Three things ya just DON'T CHANGE on a '40...taillights, headlights and straight axle. DD

 

Just because some cat says it aint cool to do something doesnt make it cool,Had an antique -er tell me I ruined a perfectly good 33 3window I told him I thought the first thing you were suppose to do was take the fenders and hub caps off,whats next you aint suppose to chop a top.I guess instead of running a good 9 inch I am suppose to put a banjo rear end in it,give me a break build it the way you want it man you are the one thats going to have to live with it.

 

Hey Josh,
1st off, Welcome! I know that this is your 1st build, but you already have mustang suspension under your "06 Mustang ". Ian and I are with the majority of these guys and say Keep It Straight, Don't go Gay wit rubber legs! All kidding aside, she's your 40, build what you feel.
CK.

 

In defense of my post, I DID say it's WHAT you WANT!!

Modern, IFS, go a modern so to speak, IFS like what I mention or even a cobbled up take-off Corvair!! ('65's and up have 5-lug stuff, back are 4-bolt stuff)...

Otherwise, please do your home work like the guys are telling you to do.

pdq67

 

Gentleman here is my Ugly Blonde! I have known several to be a great all night ride.

 

Not withstanding what has been said on this subject here, a straight axle can make an EXCELLENT driver. Set up right it can ride really well, handle very nicely, and look great.

I wish I had built my 39 with a straight axle, I looked for AN I-BEAM to replace the "80'ish" tube axle on my 39 and gave up way too soon, this was before I was a member of the HAMB though.

I KNOW that a straight axle can work great because I built my 39 with a tube axle the first time, got lucky and did it right, damn it did drive great, on rebuild I wanted an I beam, I did not find one "quick" so I jumped into the IFS **** too soon.

IMO, done right, a beam is tough to beat for a practical driver.

 

Straight axles can be made to drive very well if installed with quailty parts that are in good condition and installed correctly. Same for the IFS but usally with better results.

If you are on a tight budget but want your 40 to drive very well you can not beat a S-10 front clip dollar for dollar. The S-10 suspension geomerty is much better than most big money MII kits and they are dirt cheap to buy parts for and bag if ever wanted.

This 39 has a S-10 clip with dropped spindels and std style bags and drives like a dream.

Rick Erickson of Extreme

 

Thank you everyone for your input, this is really the information I was looking to soak up.
I can easily see how much the HAMB is going to help me with this build.
It came down to a knock down punch out, but I found a really *****in' deal on a stock '39 front end which I plan to equip with disc brakes.
Thanks again for your time
- Josh

 

Same set up I used, minus the sway bar (although I haven't missed it) I opted for f150 disc brakes, and - as I posted earlier - the whole thing works and drives great . . . and its traditional. Many, many miles on it since building my '40


Wouldn't think of changing it.

 

My ugly blonde also

 

In my experience - there are very few straight-axle cars around....

...now beam axles - that's another story...

BTW - beam axles - dropped or straight - are the correct for the OP...
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