1932 Ford Roadster Rear Suspension Help

http://www.clubhotrod.com/photopost/...0/35C7232D.jpg

I am in the process of rebuilding my 1932 fiberglass ford roadster, could someone help with my rear suspension question/problems.

1. What is the average length the coilover should be (general)
2. what is the degree of angle the shock should be installed on. these are currently 39 degree's (I didn't build it just trying to fix it)
3. what width on average should the rear end housing be for this type of build. I don't like the 8" mustang rear end they put in. my current housing is 55" housing end to housing end.

Thanks!!

Phil
aka: Gearjammer

Suspension Components, Rod Ends, Shocks, Struts, Coilovers & More | QA1 Precision Products
you can also call them, talk to a rp that specializes in street rods---

The length is determined by the placement of the mounts. 39 degrees is way too much, I prefer something in the neighborhood of 20 degrees.

Speedway has another chart on their site about selecting the correct rate coil spring, and how the spring rate is affected by the mounting angle.

OKaaaay

Opinion and fact (as far as my car, anyhow)

Rear springs AFCO CR23200CR (200 rated 188@13 degree inclination)
Front springs AFCO CR23325CR (325 rated 300@13 degrees inclination)

These of mine on my '31 roadster are the TCI All American coil overs and the 10 inch AFCO springs are the replacement for the 'as supplied' which were the wrong rate. Depending on where the mounts are placed will be the final determining factor for that shock/spring length.

That 8" rear end is fine for 350-400 Hp as long as you don't have too sticky drag tires on that light car - though it just doesn't have the 'mystique' of the 9" nor quite as many choices for final ratio - I have a 9" only because I found one cheaper then an 8". The 55" width should be about right for a '32 as the 56" on my '31 could have been a little narrower

Thanks guys for all the information, I'm actually going with a brand new 8.8 for a F-150 because I want to be different than most everyone up here in Michigan. I just ordered my new Welders Triangulated rear suspension brackets (top and bottom), now I'm looking for a new det of large Torino style 9" housing ends, I have a new rear disc brake set-up for a 9".

This will be a very strong housing when I'm done with it (welding the tubes inside and out) Moser axles and posi will be purchased once I have my housing finished.

Thanks again everone for all the information.

why do you want to change the housing ends?????

C-clips???

Gotta ask - are you narrowing that rear end? That is super wide at something like 65.5 inches where a 'normal' rear end for a '32 is 60 or less inches.

Also, many F150s, especially 5.4 powered usually, came with a Dana or Eaton differential - 9.75 and 10.5" or so if memory serves me - so just be aware all F150's aren't the same

I think the torino housing ends are for the big bearing and i don't think the moser street axle is large enough for that bearing - did you check with them?
I assume you are going with the torino end because that is what the discbrake bracket mates to?
Just a headsup, oj

Actually guy the housing has NO ends on it. I got it straight from a Ford supplier with no brackets at all. I will be narrowing the housing and installing my new Welders Series Triangulated 4 Link brackets. I am using the Torino housing ends with 31 spline Moser axles, the housing will be 55" housing end to housing end.

Thanks again guys, I will keep everyone posted as I progress, and of course I now working 10-12 hours a day so thats going to slow me down a bit.

Thanks again!

I'm using the 8.8 cause it's not the norm, which will go along with the FE/C6 and 8.8 rear end.