I've been looking online for a drop axle for a 46 ford truck I have but I keep having problems. Most places only make them for 48 and up trucks. Does anyone know of a place that makes the for the 42-47 chassis?

 

I bought mine from Magnum in 1992. It did not have spring perches, I had them welded on by a shop. The shop also drilled the axle through an existing boss, probably there to mount transverse springs, and that bolt and fitting I used for the lower front shock mount.

 

Was the axle you ordered a tube or beam axle? I should have mentioned earlier that I was looking for a beam axle.

 

It was a tube axle. Axles are basicaly the same thing. Order one to length, add the perches and make allowance for lower shock mount and that is about it.

 

I forgot to mention matching the king pin to axle and spindles. Mike

 

Forgot to tell you thanks for the replies Mike. The reason I would like to use a beam axle is for the look ( even though you really wont see it much lol) and also I have heard that a beam axle allows for more flex. I guess what I really need to do is take all the measurments I need and call a few places. Im sure they might have one to match what I need or they can just make me one.

 

Dodge, it seems like I heard the same thing regarding tubular and H beam axles when I was trying to choose. However the way I remember it is that the increaed flexure of the beam axle wasn't to be desired, and the tubular units gave more ridgidity.
As I a trying to recall the events back then, the reason Magnum could make an axle to a specified length was that their unit was tubed with the ends being forged. So they could cut the tubular center section to length. You can handle a slightly shorter axle than the truck currently has and make up the difference with the backspacing on the wheels. That is what I did, however if it were to do all over again the original length would have been better, due to less wheel hassles.

 

Hi Dodge,
I just bought a I-beam dropped 4 " axle.
The perches for the springs are welded on.
I will not be using it, as I just put a 79 camaro front stub on my 45 ford P/U.
I just bought a 1947 ford pickup and had to buy this axle to make the deal.
It was made for a 42-47 ford pickup.
If you are interested, let me know.
My phone # is 309-463-2135
Thanks,
Lee

 

What an easy answer to your search Dodge. Be sure to use new kingpin, bearings and bushings, and while you are at it, new spring bushings and pins. The flexing issue may depend upon who is trying to sell which axle. If it is was truly a problem with the H beam, I don't think the hot rodders would be drilling them full of holes.
You may need dropped steering arms for your steering linkage to clear the springs.
Biglee, it would be nice if you could post something on how you did the camaro graft. I don't have much of a concept of what has to be done, and how you get it properly aligned.
Mike

 

Another thing to consider, you could have a stock axle dropped (if you have one). It's what they used to do years ago. Bob's F-100's in Riverside, Ca will drop your stock axle as much as you want (within reason), you can also go to Mor-Drop in Oakland, Ca, who will take your stock axle as a core and send you one that is already dropped, or drop yours. The tube axle is more ridgid than the stock axle, but either one is good to use. But places like Magnum have been saying that the beam style is catching one more again, due to the nostalgia thing. They are developing a new dropped beam axle.

 

You bring up a good point 46 about sending my axle out that I have and let them drop it. Also Lee, I sent you an email about the axle you have fore sale. Let me know if you got it , it has a few questions regarding the axle you have for sale. As for the I beam vs tube axle discussion that I have gotten started the reason I wanted a beam is due to the flex. From what I have read, again I have READ not actually tried, the I beam is suppost to give a better ride due to the flex. I dunno if its true or not cause again, its just what I have read. On another note, a jeep cherokee axle may fit under under these trucks and give disc brakes and a 5 x 4.5 bolt pattern, I say should b/c I measured a cherokee that we have. I dunno if it would look right, and im not going to do it b/c i want a I beam but figured I might mention that since I have never seen anything about it.

 

Dodge, not sure if you have seen, but there are bolt on disc brake kits for the 42-47 Ford truck 1/2 ton axle. The kits just bolt onto the orig spindle, no mods needed, and they come in 5 on 4.5 and 5 on 5 bolt pattern. http://stainlesssteelbrakes.com/products/search/ Stainless Steel Brakes Corp sells them, as well as a kit that replaces the bushing style kingpin with needle bearings.

 

Ya I ran across that a few weeks ago. The bracket alone is 140, and 440 for the whole kit brakes and all. Disc brake upgrade is a definite for this truck. I will probably just buy the bracket and get the rotors and calipers at the part store since Im sure I can get the rest of the parts for less than 300 dollars. Thanks to every one for the replies, it can be hard to find good info on these trucks sometimes. The needle bearing Idea though is something that hasnt even crossed my mind yet. Im glad you said something about that since It would be a nice improvment.