Thread: AXle

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Going to put a straight axle in my 54 Ford stationwagon, for the old gasser look,what axle would be best(Econoline), and can you hook -up a rack and pinion to that? THANKS for any help

Steve, I wish I had an answer for you....Sounds like it ought to be a fun ride though!

Have you spoken to some of the hot rod shops to see if they have something or have some ideas on what you can do?

Steve,

Not sure why you think you want a rack and pinion set up on a straight axle. This is a generally unsatisfactory set up.
If you look at most conventional rack setups the rack is mounted securely to the front crossmember and the tie rods run out to the spindles parallel to the lower control arms (independent front end). The tie rods must run parallel to the control arms and have similarly located pivot points for the sake of proper steering geometry, otherwise you'll get some shakey handling. Its called "bump steer", that is, whenever you hit a bump the mismatch in the geometry makes an unintended movement at the spindle, causing the car to "dart" from side to side.
So what are your options for a straight axle set up?
If you mount the rack solidly to the frame then the tie rods will be at severe angles to reach down to the spindles. Very bad!
The way most people who have tried this is to mount the rack to the axle. That makes it easy to maintain parallelism to the axle and avoids bump steer at that area. Personally I think it makes the axle look clunky, but more importantly, you then have to deal with a way to connect the rack to the steering column that will allow movement when the axle travels up and down. A slip joint along with universal joints in the shaft connecting the two could allow this, but again, that movement usually contributes to mismatched geometry and resultant bump steer.
Of course the straight axle, gasser set up, wasn't really about handling anyway. It was just a way to aim the car for a short, hopefully straight, shot down the strip.

I agree w/Bob's answer - the rack should be attached to the axel. I also agree that this is a less than a perfect set-up for the street.

got a 53 ford pickup i need a new front axel for so im looking around becuase my front end just kinda broke so i cant drive it anymore till i get a new front end, can any1 help?

Welcome to CHR, Steve. I never have seen a rack work well with a straight axle, especially on a nose hight "gasser look" car. Doesn't really matter what you put on it for steering, the cars never did handle that well anyway. Cornering in a "gasser look" car isn't that good.

gassers werent built to corner now were they i didnt think so.

i say build the gasser man they are kick ass.......scooter

Probably not Streets, I just hope he isn't busy putting the straight ax on and mounting the rack and pinion to the frame!!!!

find an axle the fits the track of the vehicle first, then look for springs of a length that will be usable. I just started to build one myself and had a hard time finding short springs and custom springs can be pricey. I found some at specialty cars in artesia for less than just springs at the spring shop, included were the hangers bushings and misc. Im using a F100 axle, parts are very availble for these axles, including disc brake kits ect. Stick to cross steering also, its been done sucessfully many times, and who cares if it handles.....it will look bitchen, good luck, i know im gonna need luck to get it done....
Randy