The Ford Barn

Ol' Ron · 11-25-2012, 06:27 PM

Has anyone used the 49-53 chebby spindles on a ford fron axle? Is anyone using a megasquit system? I know some one is need info.

ford3 · 11-25-2012, 08:59 PM

what year ford car or p/u

Ol' Ron · 11-25-2012, 11:35 PM

Well this is just some research I'm doing for myself amd a friend. The old chevy spindles allow the use of Pinto/mustang disk brakes, which are much lighter than the 11" units of the Ford PU. Bolt pattern is not an issue.
I need some info on the Megasquirt II system. Their add is cinfusing, they sell a complete system for $285, but you have to buy several other components to make it work so the finished price can be anywhere form 350 to 550 bucks. I know someone here is runninng one of these, just can't remember who??

Fordors · 11-25-2012, 11:49 PM

I never looked into the machine work needed to fit the Chevy spindle to the Ford axle but I can tell you that the king pin inclination is different. The Chevy is 4*, while the Ford spindle is 8* so camber would require an adjustment by bending the axle.

BUBBAS IGNITION · 11-26-2012, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ol' Ron

Well this is just some research I'm doing for myself amd a friend. The old chevy spindles allow the use of Pinto/mustang disk brakes, which are much lighter than the 11" units of the Ford PU. Bolt pattern is not an issue.
I need some info on the Megasquirt II system. Their add is cinfusing, they sell a complete system for $285, but you have to buy several other components to make it work so the finished price can be anywhere form 350 to 550 bucks. I know someone here is runninng one of these, just can't remember who??

Ron,

We have worked on a couple vehicles with the mega-squirt system.
Pretty good little unit , however requires quite a bit of "user" programing.
Not for the regular old carb guy for sure......

Ol' Ron · 11-26-2012, 11:35 AM

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OK I guess I haven't explained my self very well. Speedway sells the Chevy spindles. MY question was can they be installed on a stock ford axle?
Jim I know the megasquirt system is quite complicated, but my grandson is a CNC programer. The question was is the Megasquirt II a stand alone system?? I'll probably giv them a call, but they don't really tell you anything, and the prices are all over the map.

Bruce Lancaster · 11-26-2012, 01:21 PM

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...akes&showall=1

That's an old magazine article now archived on the HAMB...pictures are at the end. Chevy info in there somewhere...
Article contains MANY pre-streetrod kit brake conversions for Fords, not all of them sane. I've got the article on paper here somewhere...I think that one on the HAMB may have been done from a copy I sent out.

BUBBAS IGNITION · 11-26-2012, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ol' Ron

OK I guess I haven't explained my self very well. Speedway sells the Chevy spindles. MY question was can they be installed on a stock ford axle?
Jim I know the megasquirt system is quite complicated, but my grandson is a CNC programer. The question was is the Megasquirt II a stand alone system?? I'll probably giv them a call, but they don't really tell you anything, and the prices are all over the map.

Your best bet is have him purchase a unit and get started with a live engine etc. Be more than glad to help any way we can with the injection changeover etc....
The mega squirt is far from being a stand alone fuel injection system , it is a fairly friendly controller for a injection system...........

Ol' Ron · 11-26-2012, 03:23 PM

During the late 80's I installed an EFI system from a 2.2L Mopar 4 banger. At that time I had my dyno runnning and I got more torque with it than a carburetor on a stock engine. I just made an adapter and ran it the way it came off the Dodge. did use the Dodge fuel tamk amd pump.. I was so impressed with the results that I spent the next year or so building EFI systems from junkyard parts. I got several to run, but not as good as the carburetors. The 2.2L dodge unit had one fault, it had a built in rev limiter at 6 grand. Unfortunately that was 3K on the flathead. I posted the pictures of them back a few years ago. Thanks for your interest.

Ol' Ron · 11-26-2012, 03:30 PM

Bruce
Thanks that's a great artical I saved it. Speed way sells them and a kit to run the Pinto/mustang disk brakes. I was just wondering if they can be made to run on a stock Ford axle.

Fordors · 11-26-2012, 05:04 PM

Ron, I'm pretty certain that Speedway sells a hybrid spindle, it is like a Chevy spindle but the k/p inclination is correct for a Ford axle. The inclination is the only change.

The post below made me realize I neglected to mention that the Speedway hybrid also uses the Ford king pins making it an easy adaptation.

Bruce Lancaster · 11-26-2012, 05:17 PM

With regular GM spindles...the article has a listing...the different pin diameter has to be adapted either by reaming out axle or by a variety of bushing methods, article calls out various methods and dimensions. Then axle has to be bent pretty substantially and most likely straightened afterwards.
Why do all this when '32-48 spindles are fairly available stock and very very available in repro and there are a variety of do-it-yourselgf and kit barakes that fit them?

Ol' Ron · 11-26-2012, 07:51 PM

Bruse
I'm looking for an inexpensive way to reduce unsprong weight. This is one way. The plan is to build a llight weight roadster that rides well. As you know most roadsters don't and It's due to unsorung weight, and I have an idea that might work and it might not and I don't have much cash to find out.

Bruce Lancaster · 11-26-2012, 07:56 PM

OK! Now that is interesting...axles are the big barrier to cutting weight out of a traditional rod or to building an inherently light rod like a T bucket with small engine...
The weight of anything normally used by rodders rapidly becomes excessive both as absolute weight and as a percentage of car weight. So what is going under there??

bluardun · 11-26-2012, 08:20 PM

Ron. The answer to your question is NO.
The chebby spindles have a different king pin angle.
Years ago ( before all the axel companys were around) I use to use the chebby spindles. I would make a bung for the king pin. Machine a 2'' chrome moly tube for the bungs @ 90%. Weld the bungs to the tube. Then bend the axel in the center for the desired king pin degrees.
It was quite simple. Looked great, strong, and light.

The '49/'54 spindles were the same as the Corvettes, thru '62. There were some performance brakes available for them.

Fordors · 11-26-2012, 08:23 PM

Most rodders don't get that concept. I've always questioned why some think they need four wheel discs on a relatively light weight hot rod, especially when they are adapting OEM heavy rotors, iron calipers and brackets, etc. on a Ford 9" rear end. An 8" will serve well in plenty of cars and those discs will be heavier than drums. If you mention unsprung weight you will usually get a blank stare.

Flathead Ed · 11-26-2012, 10:44 PM

Fordors,
Thank you for your insite regarding unsprung weight. I wonder if you can give me some advice and direction on my '35 Tudor sedan with 284 cu. in. flathead dynoed at 224.9 HP, 317 ft. lbs. torque (print out seems a bit optimistic), Tremec wide ratio 5 speed, open drive '35 banjo w/3.54's, Durant monoleaf transverse springs front and rear, original adjustable lever shocks front and rear cranked to max dampening. Ride is much too stiff in rear with or without passengers in the back seat. Have 7/8" P&J anti sway bars front and rear.
Would like to beef up the rear axle while keeping unsprung weight to a minimum (Ford 8"?) and improve brakes (light weight aluminum discs or drums?). Now have 12" early '39-'41 Lincoln Bendix type brakes all around and am considering light weight alloy disc system for the front.
I plan to do as much long distance driving as time allows.
What do you suggest?
P.S. Ol' Ron is my hero.
Flathead Ed

deuce_roadster · 11-26-2012, 10:57 PM

Back in the 80s, I bought a low mile total Pinto and put the 2000cc engine, trans, rear in a 34 Ford. Using nothing but a lathe, made a couple of simple adapters to put the Pinto rotor on the Ford spindle (37-40 spindle). Very easy and I'm no hotshot machinist. It all worked well. Put lots of miles on the thing. No butchering of the frame , firewall or any crossmember was necessary. Of course, I wouldn't do that now but it did work amazingly well. Might be much easier then using a Chev spindle.

Ol' Ron · 11-26-2012, 11:32 PM

Yes, Modifying the ford spindle would be better, but was under the impression it was not possable. I do have a 13" Lathe and several sets of spindles.
The rear I plan on using is the spicer 35 which comes in the Jeep cherokee. It comes with a 3 link suspension system, 3.55 posi and is very inexpensive, because nobody uses them. It also has 5 on 4.5 bolt circle. The rear suspension system is vertical coils, very easy to change spring rates as the shocks are in a differant location.
The front suspension is a modified version of ??? Split axel and coil overs. I started building this 7 years ago just befor my partner died and got evicted from my shop, so it's been on hold for a while.
I have my A on ebay and hope to sell it so I can keep experimenting with these Flatheads.

deuce_roadster · 11-26-2012, 11:46 PM

Actually, I don't recall doing anything to the spindle. Had to make a big thick washer like adapter for the grease seal to ride on, and I think one for the inner bearing race. Basically just bushings to make the spindle the right size for the hole in the bearing races. I made these so that the bearings spaced the rotor where I wanted it out far enough to use the stock tang washer and spindle nut. I think the outter bearing fit the spindle. It was 30+ years ago so I don't remember it exactly.

11-25-2012, 06:27 PM	#1
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,985	curiousity Has anyone used the 49-53 chebby spindles on a ford fron axle? Is anyone using a megasquit system? I know some one is need info.

11-25-2012, 08:59 PM	#2
ford3 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: oroville calif. Posts: 1,453	Re: curiousity what year ford car or p/u

11-25-2012, 11:35 PM	#3
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,985	Re: curiousity Well this is just some research I'm doing for myself amd a friend. The old chevy spindles allow the use of Pinto/mustang disk brakes, which are much lighter than the 11" units of the Ford PU. Bolt pattern is not an issue. I need some info on the Megasquirt II system. Their add is cinfusing, they sell a complete system for $285, but you have to buy several other components to make it work so the finished price can be anywhere form 350 to 550 bucks. I know someone here is runninng one of these, just can't remember who??

11-25-2012, 11:49 PM	#4
Fordors Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Orland Park,IL Posts: 1,408	Re: curiousity I never looked into the machine work needed to fit the Chevy spindle to the Ford axle but I can tell you that the king pin inclination is different. The Chevy is 4, while the Ford spindle is 8 so camber would require an adjustment by bending the axle.

11-26-2012, 11:35 AM	#6
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,985	Re: curiousity Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) OK I guess I haven't explained my self very well. Speedway sells the Chevy spindles. MY question was can they be installed on a stock ford axle? Jim I know the megasquirt system is quite complicated, but my grandson is a CNC programer. The question was is the Megasquirt II a stand alone system?? I'll probably giv them a call, but they don't really tell you anything, and the prices are all over the map.

11-26-2012, 01:21 PM	#7
Bruce Lancaster Member Emeritus Join Date: May 2010 Location: Madison, NJ Posts: 5,230	Re: curiousity http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...akes&showall=1 That's an old magazine article now archived on the HAMB...pictures are at the end. Chevy info in there somewhere... Article contains MANY pre-streetrod kit brake conversions for Fords, not all of them sane. I've got the article on paper here somewhere...I think that one on the HAMB may have been done from a copy I sent out.

11-26-2012, 03:23 PM	#9
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,985	Re: curiousity During the late 80's I installed an EFI system from a 2.2L Mopar 4 banger. At that time I had my dyno runnning and I got more torque with it than a carburetor on a stock engine. I just made an adapter and ran it the way it came off the Dodge. did use the Dodge fuel tamk amd pump.. I was so impressed with the results that I spent the next year or so building EFI systems from junkyard parts. I got several to run, but not as good as the carburetors. The 2.2L dodge unit had one fault, it had a built in rev limiter at 6 grand. Unfortunately that was 3K on the flathead. I posted the pictures of them back a few years ago. Thanks for your interest.

11-26-2012, 03:30 PM	#10
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,985	Re: curiousity Bruce Thanks that's a great artical I saved it. Speed way sells them and a kit to run the Pinto/mustang disk brakes. I was just wondering if they can be made to run on a stock Ford axle.

11-26-2012, 05:04 PM	#11
Fordors Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Orland Park,IL Posts: 1,408	Re: curiousity Ron, I'm pretty certain that Speedway sells a hybrid spindle, it is like a Chevy spindle but the k/p inclination is correct for a Ford axle. The inclination is the only change. The post below made me realize I neglected to mention that the Speedway hybrid also uses the Ford king pins making it an easy adaptation. Last edited by Fordors; 11-26-2012 at 06:30 PM. Reason: More info

11-26-2012, 05:17 PM	#12
Bruce Lancaster Member Emeritus Join Date: May 2010 Location: Madison, NJ Posts: 5,230	Re: curiousity With regular GM spindles...the article has a listing...the different pin diameter has to be adapted either by reaming out axle or by a variety of bushing methods, article calls out various methods and dimensions. Then axle has to be bent pretty substantially and most likely straightened afterwards. Why do all this when '32-48 spindles are fairly available stock and very very available in repro and there are a variety of do-it-yourselgf and kit barakes that fit them?

11-26-2012, 07:51 PM	#13
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,985	Re: curiousity Bruse I'm looking for an inexpensive way to reduce unsprong weight. This is one way. The plan is to build a llight weight roadster that rides well. As you know most roadsters don't and It's due to unsorung weight, and I have an idea that might work and it might not and I don't have much cash to find out.

11-26-2012, 07:56 PM	#14
Bruce Lancaster Member Emeritus Join Date: May 2010 Location: Madison, NJ Posts: 5,230	Re: curiousity OK! Now that is interesting...axles are the big barrier to cutting weight out of a traditional rod or to building an inherently light rod like a T bucket with small engine... The weight of anything normally used by rodders rapidly becomes excessive both as absolute weight and as a percentage of car weight. So what is going under there??

11-26-2012, 08:20 PM	#15
bluardun Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Tucson, Az. Posts: 330	Re: curiousity Ron. The answer to your question is NO. The chebby spindles have a different king pin angle. Years ago ( before all the axel companys were around) I use to use the chebby spindles. I would make a bung for the king pin. Machine a 2'' chrome moly tube for the bungs @ 90%. Weld the bungs to the tube. Then bend the axel in the center for the desired king pin degrees. It was quite simple. Looked great, strong, and light. The '49/'54 spindles were the same as the Corvettes, thru '62. There were some performance brakes available for them. Last edited by bluardun; 11-26-2012 at 08:24 PM. Reason: addition

11-26-2012, 08:23 PM	#16
Fordors Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Orland Park,IL Posts: 1,408	Re: curiousity Most rodders don't get that concept. I've always questioned why some think they need four wheel discs on a relatively light weight hot rod, especially when they are adapting OEM heavy rotors, iron calipers and brackets, etc. on a Ford 9" rear end. An 8" will serve well in plenty of cars and those discs will be heavier than drums. If you mention unsprung weight you will usually get a blank stare.

11-26-2012, 10:44 PM	#17
Flathead Ed Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Connecticut Posts: 2	Re: curiousity Fordors, Thank you for your insite regarding unsprung weight. I wonder if you can give me some advice and direction on my '35 Tudor sedan with 284 cu. in. flathead dynoed at 224.9 HP, 317 ft. lbs. torque (print out seems a bit optimistic), Tremec wide ratio 5 speed, open drive '35 banjo w/3.54's, Durant monoleaf transverse springs front and rear, original adjustable lever shocks front and rear cranked to max dampening. Ride is much too stiff in rear with or without passengers in the back seat. Have 7/8" P&J anti sway bars front and rear. Would like to beef up the rear axle while keeping unsprung weight to a minimum (Ford 8"?) and improve brakes (light weight aluminum discs or drums?). Now have 12" early '39-'41 Lincoln Bendix type brakes all around and am considering light weight alloy disc system for the front. I plan to do as much long distance driving as time allows. What do you suggest? P.S. Ol' Ron is my hero. Flathead Ed

11-26-2012, 10:57 PM	#18
deuce_roadster Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Shelton, WA Posts: 4,043	Re: curiousity Back in the 80s, I bought a low mile total Pinto and put the 2000cc engine, trans, rear in a 34 Ford. Using nothing but a lathe, made a couple of simple adapters to put the Pinto rotor on the Ford spindle (37-40 spindle). Very easy and I'm no hotshot machinist. It all worked well. Put lots of miles on the thing. No butchering of the frame , firewall or any crossmember was necessary. Of course, I wouldn't do that now but it did work amazingly well. Might be much easier then using a Chev spindle.

11-26-2012, 11:32 PM	#19
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,985	Re: curiousity Yes, Modifying the ford spindle would be better, but was under the impression it was not possable. I do have a 13" Lathe and several sets of spindles. The rear I plan on using is the spicer 35 which comes in the Jeep cherokee. It comes with a 3 link suspension system, 3.55 posi and is very inexpensive, because nobody uses them. It also has 5 on 4.5 bolt circle. The rear suspension system is vertical coils, very easy to change spring rates as the shocks are in a differant location. The front suspension is a modified version of ??? Split axel and coil overs. I started building this 7 years ago just befor my partner died and got evicted from my shop, so it's been on hold for a while. I have my A on ebay and hope to sell it so I can keep experimenting with these Flatheads.

11-26-2012, 11:46 PM	#20
deuce_roadster Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Shelton, WA Posts: 4,043	Re: curiousity Actually, I don't recall doing anything to the spindle. Had to make a big thick washer like adapter for the grease seal to ride on, and I think one for the inner bearing race. Basically just bushings to make the spindle the right size for the hole in the bearing races. I made these so that the bearings spaced the rotor where I wanted it out far enough to use the stock tang washer and spindle nut. I think the outter bearing fit the spindle. It was 30+ years ago so I don't remember it exactly.