front straight axle conversion on my 72? anyone done one?

[Rude Ron]

I was kicking around converting my heavy worn out stock crossmember front suspension to a nice and clean dropped straight axle, I need clearance for a extra big boat oil pan I would like to run and also would like the weight reduction of the straight axle, any ideas on this thought?

[SS Tim]

All you would be doing is a 4x4 front suspension/steering, then bolting on a drop I-beam axle or a straight tube axle. Think like how a postal jeep was.

Scott's Hot Rods also has their replacement independent front with R&P steering an C10 spindles too. http://www.scottshotrods.com/

[Rude Ron]

Originally Posted by SS Tim

All you would be doing is a 4x4 front suspension/steering, then bolting on a drop I-beam axle or a straight tube axle. Think like how a postal jeep was.

Scott's Hot Rods also has their replacement independent front with R&P steering an C10 spindles too. http://www.scottshotrods.com/

hey thanks for the info,,, ya 4x4 seems right, just no front differential, that makes the conversion a bit easier, so I need to look for a 4x4 for a suspension and steering donor

[SS Tim]

Just remember you may not like how it handles.
Another source, though far less of an assured success is the air suspension off the front of a solid axle Range Rover or even a coil spring Disco. That way the radius arms and bags/springs are outside th rails. A track bar should not be too much of a problem to create nor the crossmembers for either style of suspension. The air or coils will need a serious stiffener to keep from rolling the rails. Not running a stressed block or motor plates are you? Those would be a big help.

[SS Tim]

MrBeast (???) was at one time building a K30 conversion.
He built up a very nice crossmember similar to a M&H or NAPCO's for his front spring hangers with the factory style radiator supports too.

[WIDESIDE72]

Just curious if you have ever driven a straight axle equipped vehicle. As the proud owner of a 55 first series (now on an s10 lwb chassis) and a 55 second series big window (soon to have a fat man fab (or similar) ifs, i can tell you they leave a lot to be desired. Theres a reason why guys put them under chevy II's and 55-57's back in the day. (To go fast in a straight line) not turn corners in a daily driven vehicle.

[Rude Ron]

Originally Posted by WIDESIDE72

Just curious if you have ever driven a straight axle equipped vehicle. As the proud owner of a 55 first series (now on an s10 lwb chassis) and a 55 second series big window (soon to have a fat man fab (or similar) ifs, i can tell you they leave a lot to be desired. Theres a reason why guys put them under chevy II's and 55-57's back in the day. (To go fast in a straight line) not turn corners in a daily driven vehicle.

ya I'm wondering if it may be too primitive? may not do it at all but wanted some ideas from you guys about it...