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Old 10-16-2012, 02:06 PM   #1
dirtybirdindian
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Front axle ground clearance?

My 53 3100 is what appears to be all stock in the front and I have about 6 1/2" from the bottom of the axle to the ground. Does that sound about right?

I'm just thinking about what clearance I would be looking at after a 3" drop axle.
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Old 10-16-2012, 05:40 PM   #2
mr48chev
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Re: Front axle ground clearance?

3 inches less than you have now.

On the stock axle, well actually both it also depends on what tire you run. I run 195 14 tires on the front of my truck and the axle is somewhat lower than the guys who are running 6.00 16 tires.
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Old 10-16-2012, 11:41 PM   #3
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Re: Front axle ground clearance?

" 3" lower than what I have now"....I sense some sarcasm! I admit I'm not an expert but come on. And I get it that the side wall of the tires changes ride height but.......question is if having 3 1/2" +/- clear between the bottom of a 3" drop axle and the ground is what guys have with that setup.

But hey....thanks for responding!
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Old 10-17-2012, 12:34 AM   #4
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Re: Front axle ground clearance?

i didn't see any sarcasm.
do the math.
6.5'' + 3'' drop = 3.5''
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Old 10-17-2012, 12:55 AM   #5
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Re: Front axle ground clearance?

I understand that my particular axle would be 3" lower than it is right now....Just asking if 3 1/2" clear below a 3" drop axle is normal...that's it. With 15" wheels & 205/70 tire. I'm not trying to stir any pots or put bubbles in the beer...

Sorry if I read into your response a little to much.
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Old 10-17-2012, 07:43 AM   #6
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Re: Front axle ground clearance?

I think your reading into this too much.

Like mr48 and ogre said, you can see where your going to sit after doing the 3" drop. I am running Sid's 4" drop and I have around 2.5" of clearance (off the top of my head, I can measure it later if you need).

As Mr48 said, the next variable is the tire you run. For rolling around tires in the garage I am running 215/70/15.
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Old 10-17-2012, 09:42 AM   #7
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Re: Front axle ground clearance?

Just remember to check into local laws about scrub lines if you decide to change your wheel/tire setup.

As for the math part, the only minor variation would be whether you get a stock axle dropped by someone like Sid or whether you buy an after market dropped axle with the round center tubing. The diameter on the aftermarket one is about 1/2" narrower than the stock axle. So you'd gain about 1/2" of ground clearance. Not enough to worry about. I sit right at 3" of ground clearance under mine with dropped stock axle and 245/45-17"
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Old 10-17-2012, 09:47 AM   #8
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Re: Front axle ground clearance?

Thanks, sounds like that clearance is typical if your 4" drop axle puts you at 2 1/2". I just asked because it seems so low. I guess thats point huh!!
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Old 10-17-2012, 12:49 PM   #9
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Re: Front axle ground clearance?

Quote:
Originally Posted by dirtybirdindian View Post
Thanks, sounds like that clearance is typical if your 4" drop axle puts you at 2 1/2". I just asked because it seems so low. I guess thats point huh!!
Wait till you see it all together...you then will realize how low it is haha.

The face on my old man when we put it down on the ground was priceless.

Can wait to see his face after I build my next frame on air......
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