37 front suspension in a 34 frame

[Ford1933]

I have a 34 ford passenger car frame that is missing the front cross member and suspension. I have a 37 Ford passenger front suspension 100% stock and came from a coupe that was undergoing a professional restoration project so it is in excellent condition.

I was thinking of fabricating a new front crossmember for the 34 frame and positioning it so the axle matched the location of the 34 axle. Location of the new crossmember would be forward of the original crossmember since the 37 spring is in front of the axle. This is a fenderless Pickup truck project and purity is not a concern. Is there anything that would be a serious problem with this setup that you guys can think of ?

Thanks,
Ford1933

[TonyM]

If they were restoring the 1937 car, why wouldn't they re-use the excellent original 100% stock front suspension in the restoration?

[tubman]

I smell a street rod build, not a restoration. That being said, it is my opinion that a spring ahead of axle doesn't look good on a fenderless car. Plus the out of place front crossmember would probably look wierd.

[kelley's restoration]

don't do it
get the right stuff or nothing on the front will fit correctly (grill hood fenders ect)
tk

[Ol' Ron]

How about a IFS, looks col

[FlatheadTed]

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I to say get the right parts ,

[Charlie ny]

'33,
IMHO the '35 up front end has a heavy look vs the more trim appearance of the '34 on back. Having said that try to dig up the May 2011 issue of HOT ROD
DeLuxe. On the cover and inside is a feature story of Wally Parks '29 roadster which is
equipped with just the setup you have mentioned. By very cleverly positioning the
grill shell and using a bull dog spring mount the setup works and looks right. Lever
shocks and cool headlight mounting treatment ties things together quite nicely.
Charlie ny
PS
PM me if you can't dig up a copy !

[Mart]

Go to the hamb and search for the Roy Desbrow replica truck being built By Edward Lloyd.

This has the setup you describe.

I built a glass 34 coupe years ago and used a 39 axle. I set the crossmember forward to compensate like you say. But that was a repro frame, and working on an original and making it look good would be another matter. Besides, standards have moved on in 15 years.

You might just be able to get away with it due to the heavier grille shell on the 34 truck. You'd have no chance on an A or 32.

I can't see much advantage in using it, it would be better to just use the spindles and bones (if possible) and set it up with a 32 -36 axle and spring over.

Mart.

[scooder]

I love Roy desbro's pickup, been one of my very favourites for ever.
If you look through lots of old 40's and 50's magazines and pictures, the spring in front was used on a surprising amount of pre 35 hot dogs.
Helped them get the front lower, and better ride with the longer more supple spring and longer spring base.
Martin.

[Turdytoo]

Originally Posted by tubman

i smell a street rod build, not a restoration. That being said, it is my opinion that a spring ahead of axle doesn't look good on a fenderless car. Plus the out of place front crossmember would probably look wierd.

x2.

[Ol' Ron]

One ting about the 36 thru 48 Ford front suspension, it can be modified to give a great ride as well as excellent handling. Short vertical shackles, a roll and panhard bar. With the proper spring rate, it's like riding on a cloud.