Hi All, I've been reading this article http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/chassi...-1940-ford-pickup-truck-chassis-back-to-life/ http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/chassi...1940-ford-pickup-chassis-back-to-life-part-2/ Just wondering if anyone has done this, using the Chassis Engineering parts. What did they think and what is the stance of the truck? I'm planning on doing the same with my '41 Ford. If you have any photos please post. Cheers
That is what I used along with 3" lowering blocks, I also opted for their rear stabilizer kit. Very easy to install. The front is their MII kit with 2" drop spindles, they use a Heidt's front crossmember. I also opted for their front stabilizer bar kit.
Thanks for that, I was hoping to get a level stance. Can I ask what wheels and tyres are you using and do the front wheels miss the fenders when turning?
I did my '40 pickup (actually a '41) with CE rear springs 3" blocks 4" front CE dropped axle reversed main leaf and sway bars all around 235/75 15" back 8" rim, 185/75 14" fronts on 6" rims I always thought it sat nice, see photos, you decide
I used all the CE parts shown in the link on my 40 coupe. It's the same frame as the truck. except for the outboard body mounts for the cars. I have stock axle, reversed eye mainleaf in front and 1 1/2 " lowering blocks in back. The car should sit pretty level when finished. I have 195/65-15 tires in front and they don't fill the opening very well. I probably go to 205/70 or 205/75 for a better appearance. There are a lot of pix in my build thread.
I used the method that MJ40s used on his 40. It is slicker than cat guts........You can see the abbreviated version on the LeGrange Produce truck build or search under his name. The beauty of it all is you don't have to use those ugly rear spring hangers that CE sells. They stick out like a sore thumb on a pickup IMO.
I used Heidt's front crossmember with stock MII suspension with a half of a coil cut off the springs. In the rear I used Chassis Eng. rear leaf spring kit with 1" blocks and their sway bars front and rear. The truck rode really well and you could just get a beer can under the grill in front. Sold the truck several years ago.
Thanks everyone for getting back to me, that's very helpful. Geoford41, I love the stance of yours. All the trucks shown look like lovely trucks. I'll think I will be going with these kits.
I also used MII front suspension with a half coil removed with a sway bar. Rear suspension is the CE kit without any blocks. Front rims are 14x6 with 185's. Rears are 15x7 with 235's. Truck handles and rides excellent.
Here is the front of my friend Jim's 39 with all CE front. 4 inch drop axle with reverse eye spring and split wishbone. Doing the same on my 39 sedan. This cars sits perfect!
Olskool32 - Looks like it's got a 2 inch chop and you've shortened the bed. Nice little truck. Nailhead Jason - That 39 looks great. you wouldn't know if he's got a 40 Ford coupe dash in this? This is the other thing I am planning on doing, using a 39 opening windshield with a 40 coupe dash.
BreadVan- that's correct, 2 in chop. The bed, which was bent up at a truck body shop, is 6 ft about 6 in shorter than stock.
I had another 40 in the 80's with a '36 axle and split wishbones in front. it was supported by an 8 leaf spring with reversed eyes and the axle was dropped by Mor Drop. I used 14x6 front wheels and 205/75 tires. After a couple of years driving, the tires would just touch the fender bead when turning. The suspension settled about 1 to 1 1/2" in those 2 years. If I was going to use 16" wheels, I use a 46" inch front axle and 36 wish bones. JHMO
Nope its got a 39 dash. Honestly I don't know whats involved in putting the 40 dash in. Seems like it should bolt in but if you have a 39 standard the cowls are just a little bit different from a 39 deluxe or a 40.
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