Thread: Stock suspension on a 1950 Ford pickup?

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What is your opinion on using the suspension pieces on a custom frame? I was thinking about having a frame built with a severe kickup in the rear, and having the front axle dropped? Is it possible to move the front suspension out front far enough to look good?
Thanks,
CHAZ

Well, opinions are like belly buttons.........we al have them and they are all different. Personally, I think this sort of setup doesn't look as clean as the traditional single cross spring set up, mainly because it positions the front frame horns out in front of the axle by a distance of maybe 18 inches or more, so it gives you a lot of metal sticking out in front of the grille and axle.

However, there are some advantages, i.e: no need for radius rods, bump steer shouldn't be as big of an issue, the springs do all the locating of the axle, and it might even ride better. As I mentioned above, I have seen several rods over the years, some in magazines and one on this forum, that looked pretty good, so it can be done

Build it the way you feel is the best. After all, if the rod world were only made up of Porche Red '32 Fords with 350/350 combos and the very same suspension setups, it would be pretty darned boring. The uniqueness of each car and the little details each builder brings to the table is what makes this hobby fun and interesting. I think it would actually be easier to mount this sort of setup vs the single spring for the reasons mentioned above.


Don


PS: I just reread your title, and see that you are talking about a '50 Ford pickup? If that is the case (I thought you were asking about a fenderless car) you would only be limited by the room you have from axle centerline to front fender forward edges.

I am doing it fenderless, just using the '50 pickup for suspension and cab. This will be my first build and I am trying to keep it as simple (and cheap incase I abandon it) as possible. I want a "rat rod" for lack of a better term. Just frame, cab and maybe bed sides maybe not. I have seen several examples of this and I think they look cool. I think I have found a good cab and chassis close to home so I am close to "pulling the trigger."
CHAZ

Bought a truck, get it next week.
I found a few examples of paralel front ends, but I can't post pics right now for some reason.
CHAZ