1954 axle drop....
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 81
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From: Southeast Pa.
1954 axle drop....
I've read that if you use a 3" dropped front axle you need matching tie rods. At what point do you need to change out the tie rods? Is it necessary to change the tie rod length if you only reverse the mains (a 1 1/2" drop) ? Does anyone know at what point do you start noticing wheel centerline moving to the rear??? From what I have read when you drop the front end 3 or 4 (or more) inches the wheel moves rearward in the fender well. I'm mostly concerned with something around a 2" drop. Any experts out there with the correct specs?
Grumpy
Grumpy
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
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From: Durham NC
The problem with the tie rod on deep drop axles is that it will hit the axle. You need to drop the steering arms so the tie rod will clear, but do not need to do anything to the tie rod itself. A 2" dropped Axle does not require any modifications. Reducing the arch of the spring may move the axle back slightly, but not likely enough to notice. All mid fifty F100 pickups (but not the panels for some reason?) look like the wheel is ~ 1-1/2" too far back in the fender well right from the factory. You can buy reversed eye main leafs with the centerbolt hole moved forward to correct this, but you will also need a longer drag link to match. I have the stock location reversed eye springs and 2" dropped axle on my 56 panel.
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 81
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From: Southeast Pa.
Thanks for the info AXracer. Went to your gallery and saw your sketch of the steering arm alterations you made. I am curious how much length in the steering arm you lost when making the offset bends and what effect did it have (of the loss of length) when hooking it back up. Any effect on handling that you could feel?
Enjoyed the photos of your work. Good detail.
Gramps
Enjoyed the photos of your work. Good detail.
Gramps
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 929
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From: S.C.
Hey Gramps...Good lookin truck! I've got a 54 as well.
If you go to Mid Fifty's web site they will send you a free catalog....its got great detailed info on different drop styles for your model (great people there too). Also, I've delt with Rod at Hot Rod's classic trucks and have had real good info and parts supplied thru him...www.hotrodstrucks.com.
Good luck with it
Ed
If you go to Mid Fifty's web site they will send you a free catalog....its got great detailed info on different drop styles for your model (great people there too). Also, I've delt with Rod at Hot Rod's classic trucks and have had real good info and parts supplied thru him...www.hotrodstrucks.com.
Good luck with it
Ed
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
Gramps,
That sketch was for another member who was having a clearance problem with a deep drop. My 2" dropped axle did not require any such mods to the steering.
I agree the Mid Fifty catalog is a wealth of info and sketches as well as parts and they are GREAT people to deal with.
That sketch was for another member who was having a clearance problem with a deep drop. My 2" dropped axle did not require any such mods to the steering.
I agree the Mid Fifty catalog is a wealth of info and sketches as well as parts and they are GREAT people to deal with.
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