Model A Front Suspension

[loiselle]

Re: 1930 Ford Model A pickup (fendered with bumper). I am using a stock ibeam axle, split wishbones, and low profile 15" wheels. I want to keep the truck stock looking as much as possible.

I can either get a low profile posie reverse eye spring and altered front cross member to give me a 4" drop or I can just use a dropped axle. The first way is alot cheaper and easier .

If I go with dropped axle there is ibeam and tube. Which is better? If I decide to get rid of the wishbones, what are the pros and cons of hairpins vs four bars?

I do not want to bottom out on speed bumps. Help?

Larry

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Larry Loiselle
ditvenet@hotmail.com
[Be Righteous Not Politically Correct]  :?:

[enjenjo]

If you go the first way, I believe you are going to have problems with the radiator and shell, getting them in the right position to line up with everything else. This will also cause problems with a wishbone if you decide to go that way.

I would go with the dropped axle and a 4 bar, but that is just me.

Of course my car has a 33 Plymouth axle, reversed eye A spring, uncut wishbone, and a suicide spring mount, built with what was at hand.

[Dave]

Id go with a dropped I beam and a reversed eye spring. That will get you plenty low enuff. You dont want a tube axle with split bones. Id also go with the narrow I beam I think its 46 inches king pin to king pin so you can keep the tires in the fenders. Looks a lot better and gives more room.I dont have a pic of my 30 model a handy but it had the narrow axle but with a 4 bar. Split bones will work fine i didnt use em cause i didnt have em..
Dave

[Bib_Overalls]

I like the Chassis Engineering forged I-Beam.  Think it is 47" between king pins.  As noted, the narow axles are better under fenders.  Stock spindles will work but the steering arms hit the drop in the axle.  Chassis Engineering also offers bolt on steering arms that locate the tie rod under the split wishbones.

Chassis Engineering axles require a slightly narrower spring.  They have one with the reversed eye.  But I would check with Posies.  They also offer a spring that has their button sliders.  The ends of the Chassis Engineering splring leafs are hamered into a taper and the marks are evident.  It took me a full day of grinding and polishing and sand blasting to git them to look right.    The Posies spring does not need a lot of attention and it gives a better ride.

Think I would get the Chassis Engineering catalog (its free) by calling (319) 643-2645.  And I would also call Posies at (717) 566-3340.  They have good advice and have good prices on packade deals.