Wishbone Clearance ?

How much travel is there about 12 inches from the pivot ball of a wishbone?

With a 38 ford front end, stock axle/wishbone, reversed eye posies spring, in my 36 Ford there is almost no clearance between my ****** pan and the wishbone.

What would the long term affects be if I left it?

I would rather not split the bones but if I have no choice I will.

 

there isn't a lot of movement there , but it's hard to say without seeing in person....do you have any pictures?

 

Figgerout yor travel at axle, which is probably very small like 3" or so; cut a strip of cardboard the lengt of the pivot arm represrnted by the wishbone, stick a thumbtack through pivot point, move other end axle distance. Measure motion at appropriate point. Motion will be very small.
If there is slight interference, I would consider moving ball location down slightly (use two covers to form socket, shim) and/or slightly shimming trans mount. Any caster problems can be twisted out in normal axle adjusting technique, not much of a problem since you will likely need something done to caster and camber anyway. Splitting is an excellent thing to avoid if you can.

 

kinda dark but...
And yes it is almost touching

 

like bruce stated shim the transmission mount 1/4 inch and put another ball cap on top to space the wishbone down . the positive caster will help handling . is your 36 the one that was in blasdell 4 ever? mike

 

The angles showing in that pic seem to suggest shimming front mounts would do the most good!

 

By the front mounts you mean my engine mounts? The ****** mount is behind the pan.

Mike, yes that is the same car what color do you remember it?

 

Yes, engine mounts...looks like trans is angled down pretty sharply, and would pick up some clearance quickly if raised in front.

 

I had a similar clearence issue with my roadster. Ended up 'notching' the pan to make more room.

Adam F