Welcome Eric. Glad to see another Floridian on the forum. Reading through your post and questions, it looks like you have no specific application in mind as of yet, but rather are just trying to learn a little about I beam front ends in general. Fine. That's how we all learned, asking and looking.

I am a total traditionalist when it comes to front ends in rods. I have never owned one with an independant front end, and probably never will. I just like the simplicity and looks of them, especially under a fenderless car. That's just me, so maybe I can give you some insight on where to get the info you are looking for.

First of all, this type of front end, as modified for hot rod use, really hasn't changed much from the '50's. Sure, there have been improvements made along the way, like springs with teflon buttons, better perch bushings, etc., but nothing that has changed the basic layout or function. There are ones that use a single cross spring (most common in early Fords and other rods), ones that use 2 parallel leaf springs (chevy, dodge, and some trucks most notably) and some that use other arrangements like quarter-eliptic spirngs, and coils. But the single cross spring is the one you see the most.

Now, to get some education on how and what to use , there are some very good books out there on this subject. Go to any good bookstore and hit the auto section and start looking at how to books on hot rod suspension. There will be chapters devoted to these. Hot Rod Magazine (Peterson Publishing, I think) used to have a series of books on various subjects, and there are lots of independant guys who have done similar books. There is all kinds of info out there like this.

You might also want to start hitting the cruises and car shows. There is going to be the annual Nationals (I forget the exact name of the event) in Tampa in October at the Tampa Fairgrounds. Go, take a camera, and ask lots of questions. I've never had a lot of fun at that show, as I find the car owners a little snooty and not the friendliest, so I only went two years and never went back, but maybe that has changed. Usually, most car guys will be more than happy to help you out with info.

And, as c9 said, just be specific with your questions here. We are happy to offer any opinions and info we can, but it helps if we are asked very specific questions, rather than broad-brush inquiries. (And yes, the HAMB tends to be a little tough on people who ask questions they deem inappropriate, sometimes, and the lanquage is not exactly G-rated, either)

Good luck,


Don