Newbie here .... need front I beam advise please

[TRAPP38]

Hi All,
I just picked up a 1938 ford pickup cab with all the frontend sheetmetal for my first project. I'm planning on building my own frame. I've spent allot of time looking at pictures and reading threads trying to get front end ideas.

I think I want to go with a spring over 4" drop I beam. My question is, since I don't have any experiance with these yet, would I be better buying a new set up from someone like Speedway or Posies, or find a original set up?
(I'm thinking I want to stay with disk brakes)

Also What year and spindle type should I use? I have picked up some 1935 16" ford wire wheels 5 X 5 1/2 ......... so I'm thinking of staying with the ford spindles?

Thanks for any advice in advance.

Fred

 

[rockabillyrat]

speed way is nice. you get everything you need for the front end. and you can get the disk brakes with spindles to go with the axle to fit your wheels. its up to you really. do you want to hunt for all original parts. and have the old axle dropped. or spend more moeny and buy it all new?

also how are you building your frame. z in the back, front and back, how much, whats the ride height you want, also tire size. there is alot to plan out when building a frame. this will all effect the axle drop you will need, or want.

 

[Blue Eyed Devil]

Hey Fred,

For a newbie you really are time and money ahead going with a new setup from Speedway. It will be relatively painless, you get everything you need in one crack, AND it will all work together.

You will need '37-'48 Ford spindles, which are also sold new from Speedway already bushed with new kingpins. You will also need corresponding steering arms.

One thing to consider - if you want to run those '35 wires you will not be able to use disc brakes. They are designed to work with the early Ford hub and drum setup, and it is an integral part of the wheel's strength. Don't be afraid of drums. If properly maintained and adjusted they work great, especially on such a light vehicle. You can still find original brake setups if you look, but do your research on them. The early Ford/Lincoln drum brake stuff is being repopped now (also available from Speedway), but is kinda spendy. Depends on what you want your final look to be and how deep your pockets are...

 

[TRAPP38]

Thanks for the responses.

As far as the frame goes, I'm planning on a Z in the front. I was thinking I needed to get my front end components first so I can decide the amount of drop I'll need.

I didn't know that about the disk brakes not working with the 35 wire wheels

As far as the back goes, I 'm thinking of no Z ......... the frame will run under the axle an I'll use quarter eliptic springs. If I can figure out how to post pictures, I'll show you exactly what I mean. (maybe Monday when someone at work can help me out )

 

[rockabillyrat]

well are you planing on running a beb?

i was just wondering what the frame under the axle is going to look like.

 

[BCOWANWHEELS]

Dont be afraid of the early drum brakes they stop good only drawback is you have to adjust them and if you want to be really cool you could run the finned aluminum brake drums......

 

[TRAPP38]

here's an example of the rear end setup I was thinking of

 

[rockabillyrat]

it looks like a cool set up. but your going to be riding really low (depending on tire size) with the frame under the axle like that.

are you runing baggs or springs?


dont take this wrong but what kinda frame building have you done before? a simple z might be easyer and have alot more adjustability and better right quality for you. also it makes mounting the bed really easy with a z like that. i have built and been around alot of mini trucks and i have never liked frame under since the lift was limited and the ride sucked becasue it sat so low. just a thought.