Info on straight axle for '66 barracuda project

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hotrod19611

hotrod19611

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Hey folks! New to this forum. I am currently planning a straight axle front end for my '66 Barracuda project and I need as much info as I can get. First off, I am thinking of using the Speedway Motors universal type axle. What I want to know is what spindles would be better to use. They offer early Ford type and early Chevy type. I would like to keep apples with apples and use Mopar spindles. What disc brake setup should I use? I heard 1st generation 2wd Dakota rotors and brakes are useable. Also, what do I use to connect the steering box to the axle? Can I use the existing manual box? There are a lot more questions I'd like to get answered but those will come later as the project progresses. This car will be a streetable vehicle. Already have the driveline assembled. Stroker smallblock (408"), 727 w/ reverse pattern manual valve body, 2800 stall TCI converter, 8 3/4 rear cut to fit tubs w/ 3.91 gears. I'm looking for the Gasser look but still want it to be driveable. Any help is deeply appreciated. Hope to have pictures on here as construction is soon to start. Thanks! This forum has been unbelievably helpful with other projects in the past.
 
Back in the day they used the front axle out of an A100 truck or van.

Member funnycar farmer has done some really outstanding cars. In fact his Comet is on the cover of Car Craft magazine this month. Might want to send him a PM for information regarding doing these kinds of builds.

Here is a thread with similar build like your talking about from funnycar farmer.
http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=131159
 
There is also a member under that handle of greenhornet who was pretty active last Fall in an early A-body straight axle budget build in teh Member's Restorations forum. Might want to take a look at his thread and contact him as well. I think that he had a plan in place. L8r

Jim
 
Very kool!! Thanks to bohem.th of your inputs. I'll check on them.:thumleft:
 
Buddy of mine did a 57 Belair with a speedway front axle and brakes. Give them a call and talk to one of their techs. VVVery knowledgeable and extremely helpful. Most likely they will have something that will all bolt together without any major problems. When you start mixing parts from different suppliers sometimes they don't always fit.
 
Thanks for the info! I'll give Speedway a holler. Talked to some street rodders around here and they all pretty much said they are the ticket.
 
As far as putting a straight/tube axle under your car goes, save some time and money and simply accept some BRAND X help. Who knows if dakota spindles and brakes work? I sure as heck would like parts that are compatible and safe...

I do have an A-100 front axle assembly (very heavy, old, & ****#y), but have since ditched it in favor of safety.

I purchased the speedway 4" dropped tube axle with the 37 ford spindles and 5x4.5" disc brakes. Ran about $1000 (no springs/perches yet).

I haven't decided which early a to buy yet, but whatever it ends up being I will be removing all factory suspension/steering and replacing it with the speedway kit, while using a reversed corvair manual steering box (traditionally steered with a drag link from the pitman arm to a flat upper steering arm bolted to the driver's spindle).

I don't see why a mopar manual box wouldn't work with a drag link, but the box would need to move back and down, somewhere around the driver's feet.

Because I want to live after each trip down the strip, I feel the brand new speedway set-up's were quite affordable and worth every penny.
 
Youngblood,,,you make very good sense. Safety is the major factor here since I want this streetable. Experimentation is definitely in store for this project. Appreciate the input
 
im not sure if it was bronxmopars, but i remember seeing an abody with a straight axle and he kept the stock manual box in the stock location and chopped the rest of the k frame out.
 
yo hotrod i am considering the same kind of a project for my 65 valiant 2dr sedan i am not sure if that is what i want yet or not i will be running a 318/w4spd ,but i am of the same mind i want it to be safe and streetable also please keep posting any updates on your project as will i i am in florida keep in touch so maybe we can compare notes on this thanks mark
 
I'm having a issue with my pitman arm rubbing on oil pan when turning left and I'm running a manual gear box and was told I need a longer pitman arm. Any one got a clue . I'm running a speedway motors straight axle setup and 360ci motor
 
65 CUDA said:
I'm having a issue with my pitman arm rubbing on oil pan when turning left and I'm running a manual gear box and was told I need a longer pitman arm. Any one got a clue . I'm running a speedway motors straight axle setup and 360ci motor
Click to expand...
Ten year old thread.
I would modify the oil pan LONG before I would mess with a steering system that works. Got a hammer? Or a welder?
 
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