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Technical Distance from ground to I-beam

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Fairlane3x43, Sep 6, 2018.

  1. Fairlane3x43
    Joined: Aug 6, 2018
    Posts: 40

    Fairlane3x43
    Member
    from Michigan

    If using a 26" tall tire and have a 3 1/2 inch drop front beam would my ground clearance be 9 1/2 inches from ground to the I-beam? Don't have the parts yet so that's why I ask. Trying to decide on tires.
     
  2. oldolds
    Joined: Oct 18, 2010
    Posts: 3,407

    oldolds
    Member

    Depends on the axle. Some drop lower in the center, some are straight across.
     
    lothiandon1940 likes this.
  3. Happydaze
    Joined: Aug 21, 2009
    Posts: 1,903

    Happydaze
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    My understanding is that the stated drop is the additional drop from the original.

    With the numbers suggested I expect the under axle clearance to be a good bit less than 9.5" !!

    Chris
     
  4. oj
    Joined: Jul 27, 2008
    Posts: 6,454

    oj
    Member

    The math would be to the center of the spindle/axle; the 3 1/2 is total drop so it'd be 9 1/2 to the center, not the bottom of the axle. But math and hot rods don't always agree.
     
    lothiandon1940 and sidevalve8ba like this.

  5. continentaljohn
    Joined: Jul 24, 2002
    Posts: 5,504

    continentaljohn
    Member

    I have 7 1/2 on mine but with a old original drop axle so it looks like a 3 or 4 inch drop
     
  6. Mr Fairlane......Please complete your profile page then Read the rules of the HAMB,,,,,
     
    lothiandon1940 and hrm2k like this.
  7. LAROKE
    Joined: Sep 5, 2007
    Posts: 2,079

    LAROKE
    Member

    I have a 4" dropped axle on my '55 1st Series Chevy pickup. If my 6.50x16 front tires go flat, I'll be plowin' asphalt.
     
    lothiandon1940 likes this.
  8. continentaljohn
    Joined: Jul 24, 2002
    Posts: 5,504

    continentaljohn
    Member

    What are you building matters on tire size for the Look:D
     
    lothiandon1940 likes this.
  9. town sedan
    Joined: Aug 18, 2011
    Posts: 1,290

    town sedan
    Member

    Not a bad idea thinking about tires early on, but I'd suggest waiting till you need them before buying them.
    Knowing the size(s) will allow you to mockup the suspension, but your tires will be fresh when you start driving on them. Besides you may change your mind. This is just something told to me by folks who have done much more of this than I have.
    -Dave
     
  10. sunbeam
    Joined: Oct 22, 2010
    Posts: 6,213

    sunbeam
    Member

    Most States don't like cars that scrape the ground if a tire goes flat. I personaly would not drive one.
     
  11. Get busy with this stuff here......... 20180906_082146.jpg
     
    Unkl Ian, upspirate and Jibs like this.
  12. Fairlane3x43
    Joined: Aug 6, 2018
    Posts: 40

    Fairlane3x43
    Member
    from Michigan

    This is for a 32 Ford 5 window coupe. Not sure if I should get the 15" rims or the 14" rims for the car. Two inch difference in tire diameter. I have nothing but the motor as of now. Frame is ordered with a Pete and Jakes I-beam and axle set-up.
     
  13. nochop
    Joined: Nov 13, 2005
    Posts: 3,818

    nochop
    Member
    from norcal

    I build mine so if all 4 tires are flat nothing would touch pavement, aka scrub line
     
    pitman likes this.
  14. 19Fordy
    Joined: May 17, 2003
    Posts: 8,025

    19Fordy
    Member

    Your question confuses me. Are you currently using a dropped axle? If so, how much is it "dropped".
    Then add tie size and type of front spring.
    What kind of car and what is your goal regarding stance?

    Don't use 14 inch tires. 15's are ok.
     
    lothiandon1940 likes this.
  15. pitman
    Joined: May 14, 2006
    Posts: 5,148

    pitman

    15 inch dia. May save from a slide, into the woods!
     
    lothiandon1940 likes this.
  16. I'd call and talk to either who you ordered your frame from or P&J. They should have an excellent feel for tires sizes and clearances in a completed car.

    14" rim may not clear your brake calipers if using front discs and much more choices in 15" rims.
     
    lothiandon1940 likes this.
  17. nobux
    Joined: Oct 19, 2002
    Posts: 646

    nobux
    Member

    With a Socal 4" drop axle and 26" tires, I can't get my floor jack under the axle without running the front tires up un 2x6s. So, 9 1/2" is being grossly optimistic.
     
  18. adam401
    Joined: Dec 27, 2007
    Posts: 2,856

    adam401
    Member

    14" wheels look super modern and lame on an early hot rod. 15's certainly have their place but 16s my friend look right at home. I always feel like a 6.00 16" tire looks mint due to it being the factory size if the 40 Ford. Throw a 7.00 or 7.50 16" on outback and its nailed in my book. For reference

    1536258230460156273311.jpg 15362582977421455861447.jpg 1536258366578805156151.jpg
     
  19. Fairlane3x43
    Joined: Aug 6, 2018
    Posts: 40

    Fairlane3x43
    Member
    from Michigan

    Thanks. I will call the frame shop and P&J to ask what they have been using.
     
  20. BJR
    Joined: Mar 11, 2005
    Posts: 9,814

    BJR
    Member

    Some of you need to look up scrub line. If your car does not comply with it, what you are driving is very dangerous.
     
    Last edited: Sep 7, 2018
    nochop likes this.
  21. Happydaze
    Joined: Aug 21, 2009
    Posts: 1,903

    Happydaze
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I think you mean scrub line, but hey, I know what I think you meant!

    Chris
     
    BJR likes this.
  22. BJR
    Joined: Mar 11, 2005
    Posts: 9,814

    BJR
    Member

    Yes I did thank you, and I fixed the original post.
     
  23. 19Fordy
    Joined: May 17, 2003
    Posts: 8,025

    19Fordy
    Member

  24. LAROKE
    Joined: Sep 5, 2007
    Posts: 2,079

    LAROKE
    Member

    Thanx Mom.
     
  25. Hot Rods Ta Hell
    Joined: Apr 20, 2008
    Posts: 4,670

    Hot Rods Ta Hell
    Member

    Mock it up with bare roller rims, or rollers with approximate size tires, then eyeball and go from there.
     
  26. LM14
    Joined: Dec 18, 2009
    Posts: 1,936

    LM14
    Member Emeritus
    from Iowa

    With 26” tall tires on my Pete and Jakes front with a 4” dropped Alum-I-beam axle I have right at 5” from the ground to the bottom of the axle. The loaded sidewall height of the 165/80R15 tires is 4”.

    SPark

    DC2594F8-B0B9-4EA9-8367-91F402A56B33.jpeg FDB9B557-62FB-4E17-BF46-57F103D2F65F.jpeg
     
    akoutlaw and lothiandon1940 like this.
  27. BJR
    Joined: Mar 11, 2005
    Posts: 9,814

    BJR
    Member

    My point exactly.:p
     
  28. 14" tires are getting harder to buy.

    Maybe go with 15" and 16" ?
     
  29. 51 mercules
    Joined: Nov 29, 2008
    Posts: 3,868

    51 mercules
    Member

    On my Model A I have a six inch super bell dropped axle and running Firestone 16x5 inch dirt track tires that are about 26 inches tall and have 5 inches from ground to the bottom center on my axle. Only have about 3/4 of inch for the scrub line.[​IMG]
     
  30. LAROKE
    Joined: Sep 5, 2007
    Posts: 2,079

    LAROKE
    Member

    It's in mock up. Still plenty of time to iron out the bugs. Maybe weld castor wheels on the bottom of the axle :D

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     

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