[Slomotion34]

At what point do you measure to determine the drop of a straight axle? I am going to replace mine, but I am not sure how much drop it has.

[61bone]

MO Drop is the distance from the center of the spindle mount tube to the top of the mount for the bones.

[Slomotion34]

So for me, this would be the upper bar mount for a 4 bar setup? Thanks!

[61bone]

No, it would be to the top of the axle at the batwing.Picture it this way. A straight axle has 0 drop. If you drew a straight line between the kingpin tube centers It would show the 0 drop. Now maintaining that line where it is, push the center section of the axle down. If a 2" drop is desired, it will measure 2" from the original line to the top of the axle. 3" drop will measure 3"and so on. To determine the drop on the axle you have, pull a string from spindle tube center to spindle tube center and measure down to the top of the axle where the 4 bar mounts are. This dimension is the drop.

[Slomotion34]

Thanks for the info and Happy New Year!

[61bone]

So why are you changing the axle?

[Slomotion34]

I'd like to drop the ride height a little, and the kingpins are sloppy. This started with a bent spindle and it looks like the way to get all of stuff right is to replace the parts. I'd like to re-use everything I can, but I am loading this car with a pretty potent BBC and it's going to have to cope with stopping @ 135 mph. I'm going to find some local (Atlanta) rodders who can give me some opinions. I'm just learning on this straight front axle, this is all new to me.

[61bone]

While I usually try to make it work myself, Your best bet might be to buy a complete front assembly. Speedway has a nice selection of axle assemblies that would work for you. Good luck on the project. 61 bone

[Deuce]

This is a 4 inch drop tube axle.
Pretty much the standard amount of drop on a early Ford Hot Rod. If you are running without fenders ... the amount of drop is not as critical.



This 32 Ford 3W coupe has a 4 inch dropped axle ( the chromed one above ) ... and uses a 25 inch tall front tire ...



Any more drop would make the fenders rub ...
Another thing to consider when buying a axle is the width ...
Standard lengths are 46, 47 and 48 inch wide ( for early Fords )
The width and offset of your wheels must be factored in IF you have fenders

[Deuce]

After posting I went and looked at your profile ...

NO FENDERS and not a Ford ...
Nice looking coupe ...

Do you know what the front axle came out of ??

.
Deuce ... Moderator

[Slomotion34]

I'm not sure. It measures 50" from KP centers and has 36 3/8" perch centers. With the calibrated eyeball, it looks like a 2" drop. The spindles are 37-41 Ford. That's about all I know. It has the spacers on the batwing, so it's a 2" (?) axle.

[Deuce]

I believe I would take the axle out and have it dropped ...



There are companies that specialize in this. They repair loose kin pin holes also.

You might also investigate your front spring. Is it a reversed eye spring ??

[Slomotion34]

It has a reversed spring (over the axle). I can post a picture if this helps. Does that matter? Do you know where I could start looking to find one of these companies? (In case you can't tell, this bulletin board has been a lifesaving source of information for me). Thanks.