how much length?

[Fireball]

In the planning and mock up stage. How much lenght will a spring behind front axel add the the lenght of the frame as far as wheel base is concerned? I know where the rear end need to be placed and the wheel base that I am looking for, but don't have a front end to use for mock up. Any help would be great. thanks

 

[Youngster]

It depends on the design of the spring pearch and where the spring pivot is in the batt wings. My frames typically add 7" to the wheelbase.

Ron

 

[Donmon]

Rons the man on this for sure, but reading your post - where the front axle goes doesent effect the frame lenght. It effects the wheel base but the spring mounts to the front of the frame regardless. Where you attach the spring perches on the radius arms dictates the wheel base. I dont think there is a right or wrong place to put them within limits. Ron should get you close. But when I started my project, I had a lot of the same questions and a wise ol hot rod builder said "make it your own, do what looks right to you, take your time and think it through" best advise I have ever gotten. Keep saftey and functionality in mind and go for it.
-Don

 

[der Spieler]

A;though it's not a critical on a street car as it is on a race car I would consider Ackermann and its effects on steering and suspension wear. My link

 

[bigblk1177]

For sure do check your ackerman. Know some Ts were built with total disregard for it, but they will walk or squeal inside tire on sharp turns if its incorrect. I used the above info to set mine when I built it. Friend bought his already set up wrong, we will be changing it this winter. GOOD LUCK and ENJOY

 

[RPM]

We just built a new roller in the shop and it is 6" from the front of the front cross member to the center of the axle. There is some room to play with here and it could be as short as 5".