'41 1/2 Ton Suspension
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From: Wild Wonderful WV
'41 1/2 Ton Suspension
I'm just beginning the build of our '41 1/2 ton. I plan to keep the original Flathead, back it with a C-4 automatic using Flat-O Products adapter (I'm building the truck for my wife), hang a Ford 8" rear end from a parallel leaf setup (Considering whether to go with Posie's or Chassis Engineering setup). Up front I'm probably going to go with a dropped axle (Pete and Jake's) Posie's front lowering spring and a Vega cross steer setup. I'm hoping to avoid having to spilt the wishbone, but I may have to. Any input from more experienced builders here would be greatly appreciated. I have started a small gallery. Thanks in advance.
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From: Southern Oregon
41, that is a nice looking truck as it sits. Sounds like a lot of your plans are similar to what I did with my '46. Dropped front tube axle, monoleaf front springs, Vega cross steering, 8 inch rear. Welcome to the forum. Mike
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From: Wild Wonderful WV
Thanks 46y......but I want the 'stance' down a bit, and those 17" steelies (yes 17 inch) have GOT TO GO. I'm going to keep Steelies on it, but I'm thinking 14's up front and 15's in back. As I said, I'm building this for the wife, and I've put Disc brakes on the front already, never forget trying to stop that thing the first time with the four drum brakes.
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From: Southern Oregon
41, I thought of a couple things after posting. You may not plan to do this, but I had the cross steering linkage fabed from stainless tubing. One length from pitman arm to steering arm and then the other between the two steering arms. If you should do this make sure to HEAVILY coat the threads, male and female, with antiseize compound. I learned the hard way and had one end seize up.
The other thing regards the Vega steering box. I have had conflicting opinions on this. First, when I contacted Borgeson (sp?) about a pitman arm, and they learned what my vehicle was they freaked. Said the truck was too heavy for the box. I relayed that opinion to an excellent, local, professional hot rod builder and he said they didn't know what they were talking about. Well given those two contradictions, and the fact that the Vega engine weighed in at something like 275 lbs., on a light frame, I have gone to some lengths to keep the weight on the front axle as light as possible, even with a Y-block motor that originally was a lot heavier than the flathead. Gross weight of my 46 should end up being 2900 lbs or less after the bed gets installed. FYI
The other thing regards the Vega steering box. I have had conflicting opinions on this. First, when I contacted Borgeson (sp?) about a pitman arm, and they learned what my vehicle was they freaked. Said the truck was too heavy for the box. I relayed that opinion to an excellent, local, professional hot rod builder and he said they didn't know what they were talking about. Well given those two contradictions, and the fact that the Vega engine weighed in at something like 275 lbs., on a light frame, I have gone to some lengths to keep the weight on the front axle as light as possible, even with a Y-block motor that originally was a lot heavier than the flathead. Gross weight of my 46 should end up being 2900 lbs or less after the bed gets installed. FYI
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From: Wild Wonderful WV
Thanks again.......I'll research the steering issue, good points all. I've only begun making my parts list for the front end, and in talking to Pete and Jake's (who own Super Bell which is where I'm getting my axle) They recomended the Vega setup. I'm the type who researches stuff to death, so thats not a final decision, but a likely one.
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Coincidentally, when I ordered my Pitman arm from Borgeson in a one inch drop, it arrived with a one inch rise. A matter of semantics. I wanted the arm one inch lower in relation to the box, and they thought I wanted the box one inch lower in relation to the arm. After hashing it out I found Borgeson ordered it from Pete and Jakes. I called Pete and Jakes, they explained that the usual request is what they supplied. They were very nice and helpful and all worked out fine. No problem with either company.
