The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 3" Dropped Front I-beam Axle Q's

Anyone running a dropped I-beam front axle, or have experience with them?

Curious to know if there is any trouble with steering / tires bitting the fenders or anything if dropped about 3".

Yes, you will encounter huge problems that will make you want to tear your hair out by the roots. Bump steer, tire rub problems, limited turning radius, and there will be a host of other self-inflicted injuries to the poor vehicle. Any of several independent front suspension systems will allow you to achieve that butt-ugly nose on the ground look with a lot less effort and expense, and about the same amount of deadly dangerous handling characteristics.
Jerry

I was checking to see if anyone was running a dropped axle from Sids, one from CPP or Speedway, etc....

I havent actually driven on it but I have the 4 inch axle from Sids, with the modified steering arms, updated tie rod and draglink. These correct any steering geometry issues. The updated tierod is heavier than the original and has new style tie rod ends. I have talked to a few people running them on stock height springs with no issues . Just make sure you check your scrubline. The guys running new springs seemed happier with the ride and handling.
Dealing with Sid was great, and he does quality work.Check out his site for more info.

D'ohhhh! I sure hope I'm not creating a deathtrap!

I've got a 2.5 inch drop that Sid is doing. I couldn't bring myself to drop it anymore than that. The deeper I get into this truck, the more I wish that I had just left it alone... but it's too late now. We'll see how it turns out.

He's also doing my steering arms & pitman arm/drag link. I'm going with the updated tie rods as well... The updated tie rods look like they will also provide a little bit more clearance from the wheel (maybe 1/2 inch).

Fortunately, with all the M-Doofus IFS systems being installed, there should be plenty of unmolested original axles available when you decide to swap back to what the factory engineers designed. That's assuming you survive the first few unexpected S-curves you encounter at highway speed.
Jerry

I kept my whole 3/4 ton front suspension intact, just in case... I'm using a complete 1/2 ton front end assembly drum-to-drum that I got for $100 for Sid's drop.

I'm not really a fan of the Pinto front suspension conversion either- I think that if you're going to go that route, you ought to build yourself an entirely new frame.

I think you will be happy with the Sids axle. A drop installed correctly, with quality parts and a proper alignment is completely safe. I personaly drove a 6/6 drop 5 years 60,000 miles and I'm still warm and upright. Other than occasionally assaulting roadkill with my bumper, and dragging frame on speed bumps I had no issues. It actually handled and rode better than stock.

Thanks for the feedback. Potentially thinking about a 3" dropped axle, from Sid, along with Posie springs on all four corners.

Anyone have any issues with tires rubbing the front fenders or have to play with wheel backspacing? Just trying to plan appropriately.

Read some background on Nostalgia Sid's and you will be impressed. His company didn't just throw the components together and call it good. The systems are Engineered to work safely. So inspite of our resident naysayer's comments feel safe in your choice. Sid's is a quality act.

I used 2.5" drop ( lowering) spring kit instead of the drop axle. No issues with bump steer or other ill mannered behavior on the road. Dropped the rear two inches.

https://www.performanceonline.com/1947-55-CHEVY-GMC-1st-SERIES-3100-TRUCK-SUSPENSION-PARTS/

I have no gripes with "properly engineered" ride height alterations, especially if somebody really likes goofy-looking vehicles that almost drag the ground. Unfortunately, those vehicles are about as scarce as honest politicians. Lowriders have never impressed me, even back in the 1950's when they first became popular. I've built a bunch of frame-draggers myself, but they were on asphalt round tracks and only had to do two things- - - -"Go fast- - - -Turn left!" Also, everybody who shared the track with my cars undertook the risks willingly. I don't think the soccer mom with a minivan full of kids wants to be the target of the average lowered vehicle that will barely maintain a straight line of travel on a smooth, straight road, and needs all the pavement and both shoulders to make it around an unexpected sharp turn because the handling sucks like a Dyson vacuum cleaner!
Jerry

Thanks for the POL website, haven't seen that one yet.

The Posie springs seem to give an overall 3" drop, like the POL springs. The link below shows that.

http://www.posiesrodsandcustoms.com/super_slide_springs/1950-chevy-12-ton-truck/

To give it the raked look, seems like Sid's axle drop would finish that off (along with the properly modified steering components). I was just wondering if you guys ran into any problems with the tires hitting the inside of the front fenders.

Please let's continue to keep this discussion civil and polite.

I don't care for lowered vehicles either but can acknowledge some people do and have ways to do it.

Let those folks speak here.

Thanks,
Grigg

Thanks Grigg.

Guess it's personal perspective .....but.......2"-3" drop is a long way from a low rider or chassis dragger.

Then there is the suspension changes ( springs and shocks) that provides the ride improvement that it no longer rides like a buck board.