40 Ford drop axle
 

I am thinking about sending my axle to Oakie Joe to have dropped. I dont want to go 4''. I am figuring about 3'' to 3 1/4''. Just not a fan of the fender lip even with the spindle. S the question is what are you guys doing about steering arms? I have heard 40 Ford arms are a little too short to heat and bend. I prefer to use the stock tie rod ends as opposed to drop thru bolt. Where are you folks getting your arms and any part numbers would help.

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

The actual drop is not 4 extra inches on a 4” dropped axle. Only about 2 to 2.5. Any hot rodder worth their salt can drop the stock steering arms that much. You could also taper the tie rod holes half way from the other direction if you want to flip the tie rod over for needed clearance.

You might want to read up on who has the best reputation for good work before sending off your axle. And that’s all I’m gonna say about that.

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

If you don't care to or are unable to rework the stock steering arms; the other axle guy can drop your axle and rework your spindle arms to match.

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

You might want to watch this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNSAxXsZl7k

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

Very good video. Thanks.

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

Thanks for posting that dropped axle video. Sid and his team sure are masters of their craft. Had no idea dropping was such an art combined with skill.

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

Send your spindles with the axle when you have it dropped. They should be able to do both.

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

I'm only going to drop about 1" from stock. I have heat and bent steering arms on model A's and 32/36 arms. I've used Oakie Joe in the past and had him drill axles. Did a good job. I've seen new dropped steering arms. Just wondered if it is a better way to go. I was figuring buying his core.

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

Great video. A time consuming process to do it right.

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

What size tires are you folks generally using with your dropped axles? are you stretching the axle or are you guys letting the axle suck in? I'm running brake drums as opposed to disc.

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

That’s a pretty car!……Mark

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

Let the dropped axle suck in and it will give you more tire clearance.

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

Thank you.. I was thinking the same thing. Right now it is 26 1/2" from ground to bottom of fender lip.205/75/15 tires on 5" wide rims. 1" more then stock might work. Putting tire just a tad above fender lip.

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

My 4 in. dropped axle is 3/4 in narrower than stock for better fender clearance. However, that increases the turning radius.

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...9&d=1770172337

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...0&d=1770172337

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...1&d=1770172337

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

If you look at Greg Anson's site, he talks about why he does reduce the eye to eye measurement for this reason and keep the tracking/width correct.

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

Thanks 19Fordy.. What size tire are you running in front? I may need to go down 1 size.

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

Sid , this thread has the tire info. you requested.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...=261133&page=2

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

I bought the bolt on arms for my 41 pickup. They were an easy way to go and avialible in one to four inch drops. Tim

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

As I recall I think I used 195X75 on my '40 coupe. I have 205-75 on my current tudor '40. They are a tad too big in my opinion.

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

You all Know about using '36 axle and wishbones in a 37-40 chassis? More room for the drop and the spindle arms. Wishbone 'spread' is narrower and the axle bosses are 2".Newc

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

As a side note: I used a Magnum 4 in. dropped axle and steering arms. Make sure the bolts that secure the dropped steering arms DO NOT BOTTOM OUT when installed. You can see the two steering arm bolt heads in photo #3. Use Loctite.
The little red cap covers grease fitting on extender to clear steering arm.

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

I've also used a Magnum axle on three cars. Instead I used Chassis Engineering steering arms as they are bolted through the arm, spindle, and the backing plates(if using drum brakes) and secured with a nut.

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...3&d=1770403083

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...4&d=1770403137

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...7&d=1770404163

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

THANKS, Pete

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

I think I am in for a fight. I started to prepare to remove axle on 40 today. Going okay until I got ot the bolt on left perch. My impact socket my good long Snapon breaker and 2 foot cheater and still no go. Heat will be on tomorrow. I have a feeling I will need to remove wishbone from the car and leave attached to axle and work on in the open with a rosebud. My question is is the wishbone easy to unbolt from the car. I can't remember if I've ever removed one before.

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

Heat is your friend.

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

Sid, Wishbone with axle and spring assembly is easy to remove on a 40 Ford. Jack car up and remove U-bolt nuts and then wishbone cup. Do not lay down under axle assembly when doing this. USE 4 LEGGED JACK STANDS. When you use heat do not hammer directly on the threaded end of the perch bolt to harshly or you will damage the threads. Be sure to keep a threaded nut on the threads to prevent distortion. Use anti seize when reassembling.

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...8&d=1770996504

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...9&d=1770996609

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...0&d=1770996624

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

Removing the spring perch bolts is the real problem here. It has been approached on the H.A.M.B. several times. Check this out : https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...4/#post-948132.

Some folks think it is better to pull them out : https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/.../#post-1548429.

There are a lot of threads over there on the subject. It might be worthwhile to spend some time going through them.

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

Sid, One more thought. If your 40 doesn't have a "sway bar", now is the time to replace the perch bolts that will accommodate a sway bar.

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

Thanks 19Forty... It does have a sway bar. I got the perches out. Not too bad. I heated the boss up and took my air chisel with a blunt punch and walked them out. No damage. I notice the piece on the wishbone ball is really hard like plastic. Isn't that supposed to be rubber?

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

Yes they are made of rubber. Tricks for putting on a new one:

- Lube the stall wishbone ball with silicone grease, window cleaner or dishwashing fluid
- Push on the new ball while applying air pressure to the small hole in the back which expand the ball and goes on easily.
- Heating the rubber ball up in water helps and may forgo the need for your air compressor

I've also put them on by turning them inside in a vise, use lube, push on it while turning it right side out. I use window cleaner and my sir compressor nozzle to take off and install motorcycle had grips too.

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

One more thought:
Double nut the perch bolt. That way you can use it for jacking up one wheel ( instead of the frame or axle) without damaging the threads.

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

Thanks Pete.

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

Does the drag link and tie rod generally end up below the wishbone after a axle drop. Only did equivalent to probably a 3.25 drop. 1 1/8 beyond stock.

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

Sid, With a 4 in. dropped axle and steering arms my tie rod and drag link ended up below the stock 40 wishbone as shown in photo in post #36.

Re: 40 Ford drop axle
 

Thanks 19Fordy.. Got it all together yesterday. Had to pull the drag link and put it under the wishbone.