Hey all,
So I've got this front ibeam that I think is from a 1942-48 Ford --- 50" kingpin to kingpin, and 40-41" perch to perch, and a decent drop to it.

I know it's a little wider than a standard 46-48" axle, and I know the perches are a little farther apart than the standard 34-36" or so.

I plan on a spring-over setup with hairpins, and I've got a full '63 econoline spindle and brake setup that I'm planning to use.

I think the perches are 2-1/4", and I know that I need to machine the spindle boss down to fit the econoline spindle, and make a spacer to use the .741" econoline kingpin in the .813" axle kingpin hole. I've got more machine shop time available than I've got money for brandy-new axles and spindles, so I'm not so worried about that.

BUT, I've read that the wide perches will cause me problems in steering -- tires hitting the radius rods. Anyone got any pics or thoughts? Any comments on problems I might run into?

I've also read about using longer shackles to drop the front end a bit, and I've seen photos of a spring in front of an axle, and behind. I'm not sure what a stock 42-48 front suspension looks like, and I'm confused on where to get a spring to run, and shackles and so on.

The overall car plan is a stock model A frame, coupe body, no fenders. V8 flatty, T-5, Ford Ranger rear. 14"s in front, 15"s in back, steelies.

Thanks for any insight.
Pete