lowering stright axle frontend

[pkmosch]

i have a 36 chevy sedan with stright axle front end want to lower about 4 inches how do i do it

 

[Bonehead]

It depends on your suspension. The drop will be in how the suspension is set up. That is, short of bending the axle ends, (dropping) , or dropped spindles, which will be an aftermarket part.

 

[R Pope]

No dropped spindles for I beams, dropped axle or an axle flip are the usual choices, with the dropped axle being the better option.

 

[zzrodder]

Your 36 axle already has a 4" drop - simplest way to get it down is to do the axle flip - that is, mounting it on top of the springs instead of under, it will get you down about 4". There are several ways to do it. Usually welding new tabs to the bottom side of the axle to duplicate the original mount tabs works best, along with new U bolts. You may need to C notch the frame for axle clearance, also the steering arms may need to be heated and bent so the tie rod doesn't hit the springs. Lastly, you may need to relocate (raise) the steering box so the drag link stays level with the ground as before so you don't get bumpsteer. Alternatively, it may be a good time to upgrade to a Vega style steering box and convert it to cross steering, depending on your budget or fabricating skills...