Can you narrow a front axle?

I was given a front axle out of a Ford something that measures 54" from king pin to king pin. I need more like 48". Can these be narrowed? Any tricks to doing it? I will be puting this in the front of my 60' Falcon. Thanks

 

brought up many times. did ya try the search function?

 

It wasn't a Ford axle, but Steve Magnante and Dale Snokes did an A Van Dodge front axle in their "How to build an Altered Wheelbase Funny Car Video."
Check out www.funnycarfarm.com for more info.
JK

 

Original forged axles, yes. Repro cast axles, I wouldn't even try...

 

The search function is your friend. And, I'm only doing this once for you.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=168603&highlight=narrowing+an+beam+axle

 

Good advice on the tomcat thread . The shiplap joint tomcat used would be virtually indestructible .

 

find the exact center, measure the amount to remove in equal amount on each side of the center mark. cut with a bandsaw or sawzall. grind off all edges . clamp down on a flat surface. tack weld in several places. check for staightness. weld both halves back together. I've used both stick welders and wire feed.

 

Not an issue.....cut it out of the center.....weld it up and go,

we did it a lot making gasser axles from the econoline axles

 

sorry to hijack but im in the middle of the samre thing, 66 econoline axle to wide also springs are way too big. what kindof springs can i use under my 35 ford rails to make a gasser.

 

Even if you don't weld. Cut it, slave it to an angle iron and take it to the friendly local welding shop.

 

yes.

 

Here's your Econoline axle narrowed 7".

Bob

 

I make a new centre , tube . Use the spindles and make new bossesbut you could use the stock ones and weld them to the tubes. In fact i am finishing one up to day that I made . Pics available if you wish.
Don