[tripp68]

Hey everybody,working on a 48 ford rat rod truck project that I want to put a model t front I Beam axle on(as it is the only thing I have right now).My question is ,will this axle be strong enough to handle a good bit of HP?Also is it poss. to have this type of axle dropped and drilled?Where the king pins go it is a forked type of axle.

[powerrodsmike]

I would not use that axle. I would think it is too light for that truck and high speed use.. Also, it has no drop built in.
Snyders has an exchange service that'll drop it, but doing that that will weaken it further. http://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/Mo.../FrontAxle/285

Later, mikey

[Dugg]

My understanding is Model T axles are cast. Later original ford axles are forged. The Model T axle is a definite, Not Recommended.
Step up to an after-market axle like Chassis Engineering or Super Bell or Magnum.

[powerrodsmike]

All of the Ford axles were forged.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Model_T
Scroll down to the suspension section.
http://www.modelt.ca/specifications-fs.html
Scroll down to "model T Ford specifications,1909"

But even though they are forged, I think the T axle is still too weak for use under anything being built to drive around on todays highways.

Also, if it is a stock T axle, you will have a hell of a time getting brakes on it. Model T's had a band brake at the transmission, and none on the front wheels.

Later, mikey

[61bone]

OOOOOOOOOOO, I wouldn't do that unless you rig weighs under 1500 lbs. Still, no brakes, 80 year old cast steel that more than likely has inclusions in it and a myriad of other problems. Nope, rethought it. I wouildn't do that under any circumstances. You can get a good axle for around 200$

[speedydeedy]

No way, Use an A but never a T, IMHO It is far to weak for any real HP or the extra weight of a V8 engine. I don't think anybody uses them, even on T buckets.Also I don't know of any aftermarket brake parts for them.

[speedydeedy]

I don't know about where you live but around here a lot of farmers have old trailers made from old front axles that are just junked in the field. Maybe you could find one and buy it cheap or they may even give it to you for hauling it off.

[tripp68]

Thanks for all the help.Would anyone happen to know how I would go about measuring for a new one?I am completly building a new frame that will be z`d.I am not sure what to measure to and from?...

[Youngster]

Tell me about your new frame. Are you building it from tubing or the stock channel frame from the '48?

Youngster

[tripp68]

I will be building the frame from 2x4 box tube.I want a suicide front end.It is on a 74 chevy frame from the guy that had it before me.I am ditching that and building a new one.At least that is the plan,never built one of these frames before.

[derrick_500]

hey wheres about do you live cause my dad had a 48 on a 74 chev frame 4x4 and sold it a few years back

[derrick_500]

and i put a 1937 internatinal front axle in my 48 and 1981 ford f-150 disk brakes bolted right on just have to make a mount for the caliper

[Youngster]

This is how I would set up the kind of frame I think you are looking for.

Front end...Model A with "37 to '40 spindles, "40 to '48 brakes, split wishbones, "40 type tie rod ends and "48 to '52 F-1 steering.

Frame...measure the following: cab floor, engine, radiator shell, plus 6''= length of front rails. Length of the box =length of the rear rails. Hiegth of the box on the cab = heigth of the frame kick, remember, you can move the floor of the box up for room for your rear suspension and to get a low profile.

Front crossmember... for a suicide front end, use a 2 1/2'' round tube 3/16'' wall thickness with a spring perch centered on it. You can set the frame as low or high as you want it by the heigth of the spring pearch. This is a better method that Z ing the front rails.

Hope this helps, Youngster

[tripp68]

Hey thanks for the info youngster.I looked at you photo album and I am looking for something similar to your car.To answer the other question I live in TN. But this frame is a 2 wheel drive.