I am new to this board and have spent hours reading the threads and the tech threads and have really enjoyed it. I have dreamed of building a hot rod since many early youth, which puts it in the early 60's. I had thousands of old hot rod magazines saved but lost them all to a basement flood. So I'm trying to remember all things I had read and drooled over all those years.

Anyway I spent a lot of my years involved in aviation from building airliners to fabricating 1200 hp all carbon fiber racing P-51 mustangs. I figure now is the time to build my hot rod. I have no fear of jumping in and fabricating just need to do my homework before I start making sparks and dust.
My hot rod tastes run more along the lines of the Jimmy Shine truck than a Boydster. I find both men very talented and they create really great things, I just find the Jimmy Shine style to scream Hot Rod.

Here is my plan. A very low 28-29 ford roadster pickup. I have a 51 ford 24 stud flathead that will run a 4" Merc crank, a high rise dual with a pair of 97,s. Was originally thinking a 39 trans with Zephyr gears but think I may go with a T-5 for driveability. This will then go out to a 40 Ford rear end.

Anyway here is my big question. In setting up my ride height while building the frame can anyone give me an idea of how much approx I should allow for the suspension to settle. Like I said it will be a fenderless 28-29 roadster pickup, dropped I-beam front end on buggy spring, 40 Ford rear end on buggy spring, built flathead with no hood of course, shortened box. Pretty basic, low, loud, fun, hot rod.

Appreciate any comments,

Jim