Dropped I-beam Axle Question

[hogosmith]

Howdy All~

I've been doing some research and ended up on J. Robinson's thread about his Track-style T Build... Great article!

First: I have access to a couple different parallel spring type dropped front axles. We know one is an early Ford. The owner thinks the other is a Chevy.
Second: In the above mentioned thread, it was mentioned that early Econoline front axles (and Chevy van) were made of forged steel, making them compatible to modifications.

Question: Would all earlier (I don't know what year, yet) axles be forged steel or did they use a cast steel or iron in any of the dropped I-beam type axles? I'm wanting to modify it like in J. Robinson's thread... to go to a transverse type leaf setup.

Thanks for any input/advice.

John

[dreddybear]

If it's Ford it's forged.

[dreddybear]

Also I have seen guys take twin I beams and graft them together. Obviously you have to know what you're doing, but it's plenty strong when done right. Doesn't look good though. I have been able to find Model A axles for 60-80 bucks. Dropping them isn't a big deal, but if you don't want to Okie Joe's and Nostagia Sids have dropped original model A axles for 275 bucks. And they're pretty.