Hello,

I have a '53 that has an updated engine/tranny. The oil pan sits about 2 1/2 inches over the straight axle. I want to lower the front end with reverse eyed springs just a tad so that the front end is even or just lower than the rear. I would then have maybe an inch of clearance over the axle. Too close?

 

Well, it would depend if you left the rubber frame bumpers in
place and when they stopped the axle. What engine are you
running? I have a 351c/c4 with a front sump oil pan. The sump
sets ahead of the axle and I have gobs of room between the
oil pan and the axle. The motor mount crossmember sets ahead of
the axle about 1 inch. The height of the motor mount pads are
about even with the top of the frame rail.