I am planning to build a full fendered 32 ford, I already have my boxed ch***is, which is setup with model a front cross member and flat rear cross member for coil overs.. otherwise.. I have NO suspension or steering at this time.. I want the car LOW.. really really low.. my closest adviser (Hotrodrob) has suggested a 4 inch dropped axle with a reverse eye spring ... My question, is how to locate the front axle? Will hairpin radius rods work with a full fender-ed 32? Is a reproduction Vega Box, still the way to go?
If you aren't a total traditionalist, you should go with a forged 4" axle and a Posies superlow spring held by hairpins (ask the manufacturer for the correct length to not interfere with the fenders). The Vega box will be easiest to mount, but there have been guys who've had trouble with some of the repro Vega boxes getting sloppy. Might want to check around to see what brand it was that got sloppy. If you want to get even lower than low, you may need to flatten out the middle of the A crossmember. Just watch so you don't get into custom radiator territory as there isn't a lot of clearance between the spring clamps and the radiator. Super low will obviously require a notch in the side of the frame rail for your spring.
Depending upon what front brakes you use, be sure to measure what width axle you will need so that low fender doesn't hit the tires. Disc brakes are a little wider than drums. I used a 48"axle and it limited what wheels/tires combo I could run under the fenders. I have since bought a 46" axle that should be a better fit under the fenders.
Check SO-CAL, they have a new disc brake ***embly that moves the wheels in 1/2 inch per side. Around 500.00. On several of my recent customers FF deuce ch***is's Ive used that brake with a forged 47 inch axle, Hairpins, A cross member, Posie super low spring, 5X15 inch wheels with a 3 inch back set, 155/80 tires and had adequate clearance.
Hold it Jeff, what happened to the Sportsman? If you are going to Macunge let me know, I have lots of catalogs left over from my Highboy build that you can have.
I've got a 4" dropped axle, posies reversed eye spring and a model a cross member. 15" wheels and vega steering. This is about as low as I can go and still have a stock splash apron. I also have parallel four bar but I would use hair pins if I did it again
My Deuce pickup had a 4" forge dropped axle,a mono leaf spring,Model A cross member,Vega steering and split bones. HRP
Vega Box?? Borgenson!! GM specs, brand new!! Just got one from summit(Borgensons part number) $318.25 free shipping!! Switch from a Marv half rack(better feel)excellent box!! Also put on American Cl***ics bias look radial(560-15 front and 820-15 rear)Drives like a Cadillac!! No lie!! Pete
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