[LiftFlat]

OKay, I have two projects going on, a '36 Ford PU and a '31 Dodge PU. I've come to a slowdown on the '36 (read $$) so decided to start on my '31 Dodge.

I opted out of the wood spoked wheels when I found a front and rear axle from a '31 PLymouth...front axle went under it like it was made for it, rear was just relo'ing the perches.

Alls well till I decide to set the 318 in it, and the old Dodge steering box won't allow be to keep the engine centered (due to starter vs steering box fight), I could the engine over to the pass side, but I never was hip to that.

So after fighting, thinking for a day, I've decided to lower the steering box below the frame rail, plan will be to use 1/4plate and bolt through the outside of the frame and redrill below the rail to mount the original box. I'll make the plate look real nice with rounded edges and extend it out 4 or so inches along the frame rail for additional support, as well as a few gussets on the inside.



This will lower the draglink about 5 inches, but will not interfere with anything at all.

Ofcourse the angle coming up through the cowl will be a bit more steep, but I don't see that as an issue.

Anyone see a problem with my idea?

My goal is to make a (safe) HotRod that can easily be brought back to original if someone so desires (reason why I'm not notching and boxing the frame to get clearance).

[Chopt 48]

Lots of problems with lowering the stock steering box. With the drag link at such a severe angle I think you will run into steering issues.

I believe if you look into the engine compartment of most any V8 Mopar the engine is offset a bit to the passenger side.

You could switch to a Vega style cross steer box and probably gain the room.

Another option would be to come up with a box that mounts with the sector shaft coming out below the frame rail and the pitman arm pointing up instead of down to keep the drag link level.