Econoline Axle question

[rex1927]

I did a search,but no luck.Thought I would ask and see what is possible.
I have an Econoline front axle I would like to run on the front of my next project.Would like to also run a pair of trailer leaf springs on front.Here is my question.
Is it possible to make some kind of assembly to run axle on top (inside)of leaf springs instead of below like it was stock???
Has anyone ever did this to an econoline front axle?
Would be great to see pictures or drawings of what type of assembly would be needed.
thanks

 

[rainman]

I've seen it done with a bracket that fits under the axle!! It's ugly, but seems like it would work! Sorry don't have any pics of it!

 

[busteddrum]

I saw a guy do it on a chevy van by cutting out flat plates with the same bolt pattern, milling flat spots on bottom of the axle, and welding the plates opposite the original. He got some longer bolts to reach through the whole assembly. It seemed to worked for him, but having the weight nested in the drop of the axle as original seemed more safe than the possible increase of leverage having the drop above the support of the springs.

Here is an interesting use of leaf springs