Thread: Springs

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I got my Fat Mans MII Ultra Low front end kit a few weeks ago and going to get ready and install it onto my 54 Chevy HT in the next 3 or 4 weeks and need to know some info before hand... First thing is I have some dropped springs that I want to put on it. These came off a 1940 Ford with a MII front end on it as well... The 40 Ford with them on was slammed way down and had stock spindles. I will have stock spindles on my 54 and the ultra low kit will drop it about 2 inches and the springs will drop it another 2 or 3 probably. What I need to know is will these springs hold up under the 54? I am used to seeing truck springs and these aren't as big as truck ones that I see and look a bit skinny but are new. They held up under the 40 Ford with a 350 in it fine and I am not sure how much heavier a 54 is compaired to that car... Oh the Ford was a 1940 Ford Coupe not sedan.

Second thing is, would you guys trust a 110 welder to do the front end? As some of you may know I have gone to college (still going) for welding and know what I am doing but I am not perfect and know everything. I do have a 220 volt welder but it's an older Snap On one that is at the shop and I don't trust it. I was thinking of getting the 110 welder and a torch and heat the metal and THEN weld it that way it will penetrate better. I talked to a welder and he said to do that but not sure. Any idea's here guys?
Thanks a lot for any information you may have!

Shawn-

Shawn: I'll let some other members address your other questions, but I would like to suggest you do not use the 110 welder to do any serious suspension or frame welding. You just will not get the penetration you need to make these as strong as you need them to be.

Spot weld them and take them to a pro welder, or someone who has and knows how to use heavier duty stuff, and have it done there. I do exactly that myself, because I know my limitations, and I don't want to hurt me or someone else if a weld fails.

I've always read your posts, and you impress me as being really smart. Don't take a chance with something so critical.

Don

Thanks for the info man, your probably right. There is a welder at the shop that has been welding for years but the problem is not having the right welder. Like I said there is a 220 volt welder there but I don't know about it. It's a older Snap On welder (since its snap on then it probably is no good). Only thing I would really trust is a nice 220 MILLER!!! heh

110 for body metal yes for frame work NO i like hi heat and lots of filler rod or wire i would use a stick welder before i would trust the 110 welder you can use 3 gas that makes for a hotter weld ? i have been told and you would use .030 wire maybe it would do it? but some of the small welder have low duty cycle and you may start hot and go cold .on that 220 snap on if it is like my old one it will do a fine job i welded cars and trucks with it and did a good job BUT i have a250X miller and it has better hot start than the snap -on the miller you can cut a hole thru 1/4 plate she hot.