Straight Axle for my 64 Polara 500

[muttley]

Hi all,
I am new to the site and this is my first post. I currently have a 64 Polara 500 with a 383 and a 1967 A-833 4-speed. I would love to install a straight axle on the front. I have a tech that could do it and a shop to have it done in. What I need is some info as to what I would need and where to get it. People tell me it would not work great on the street. However, I still want one! Any and all info would be appreciated. I love this site. Thanx, Mutt

 

[Southernman]

Mutt, I know you're gonna think I'm BS'ing you here, but your title name had me laughing. Why ?

Back in the early 70's, I was stationed at West Point, and I accepted a dog from a buddy stationed there as well. My wife named him....muttley. God's honest truth. No offense, but, I had to look a couple times and my about fell on the floor.

Anyway, I see you're in NC.

Where are you located ?

On the straight axle; as long as you're not looking to drive the car fast - especially around curves, you can probably get away with a straight axle. But they are NOT nearly as stable as your current set up.

It also depends on how much you want to spend. Speedway sells a complete 'kit' that fits '55 Chevies, which should be near your track width, but you need to measure your track width and you can then order a unit to match. They will need the static height of your frame (current) and the desired height once installed. The only other challenge may be in fitting a pitman arm, but it's not a major issue.

Of course, you could always look in the bone yards and simply pluck a unit from an old pickup or van. Also check The HAMB, as those guys mess with that stuff all the time and they've always got some for sale.

Southernman

 

[shag766]

welcome aboard and good luck with the challenge. i am planning to do one on a 40 coupe. old school rocks.:headbang:

 

[moperformance]

my brother in Ga. installed one on his 64 rancharo from Speedway. accordind to him it was the tech support at speedway that made the swap enjoyable. He couldn't be happier ;D I plan on doing the same to a 72 A body.GOOD LUCK! and welcome aboard

 

[Southernman]

Front axle recipe...

Hi all,
I am new to the site and this is my first post. I currently have a 64 Polara 500 with a 383 and a 1967 A-833 4-speed. I would love to install a straight axle on the front. I have a tech that could do it and a shop to have it done in. What I need is some info as to what I would need and where to get it. People tell me it would not work great on the street. However, I still want one! Any and all info would be appreciated. I love this site. Thanx, Mutt

Hey Mutt,

I've got a friend who has already done this under a '62 Dodge B body, and here is his recipe and his direct quote to me:

[It's got a ]...weird mix of front end parts. It's a 55-59 Chevy truck axle, 49-54 Chevy passenger car spindles, Jeep CJ leaf springs, steering arms/rods/brakes from Speedway [Vega Steering Box], Spring perches from a local 4x4 shop, Saginaw [steering] 525 box to handle the front steering. Weird mix but works good.

I've asked for his permission to send his email address to you and, if he OK's it, I'll try to connect you guys.

Southernman

 

[muttley]

Mutt, I know you're gonna think I'm BS'ing you here, but your title name had me laughing. Why ?

Back in the early 70's, I was stationed at West Point, and I accepted a dog from a buddy stationed there as well. My wife named him....muttley. God's honest truth. No offense, but, I had to look a couple times and my about fell on the floor.

Anyway, I see you're in NC.

Where are you located ?

On the straight axle; as long as you're not looking to drive the car fast - especially around curves, you can probably get away with a straight axle. But they are NOT nearly as stable as your current set up.

It also depends on how much you want to spend. Speedway sells a complete 'kit' that fits '55 Chevies, which should be near your track width, but you need to measure your track width and you can then order a unit to match. They will need the static height of your frame (current) and the desired height once installed. The only other challenge may be in fitting a pitman arm, but it's not a major issue.

Of course, you could always look in the bone yards and simply pluck a unit from an old pickup or van. Also check The HAMB, as those guys mess with that stuff all the time and they've always got some for sale.

Southernman

Hi Southernman,
Thanx for the quick reply. The Muttley nickname was given to me because of a dog with the same name. I live outside of Asheville, NC. I will check out Speedway and the HAMB for any info.
Thanx again, Mutt

 

[muttley]

welcome aboard and good luck with the challenge. i am planning to do one on a 40 coupe. old school rocks.:headbang:

Thanx, hope the 40 build goes smooth, Mutt

 

[muttley]

my brother in Ga. installed one on his 64 rancharo from Speedway. accordind to him it was the tech support at speedway that made the swap enjoyable. He couldn't be happier ;D I plan on doing the same to a 72 A body.GOOD LUCK! and welcome aboard

Thanx Bill, will definitely check out speedway, Mutt

 

[muttley]

Hey Mutt,

I've got a friend who has already done this under a '62 Dodge B body, and here is his recipe and his direct quote to me:

[It's got a ]...weird mix of front end parts. It's a 55-59 Chevy truck axle, 49-54 Chevy passenger car spindles, Jeep CJ leaf springs, steering arms/rods/brakes from Speedway [Vega Steering Box], Spring perches from a local 4x4 shop, Saginaw [steering] 525 box to handle the front steering. Weird mix but works good.

I've asked for his permission to send his email address to you and, if he OK's it, I'll try to connect you guys.

Southernman

Thanx again Southern, my fabricator will appreciate all the info we can get. Mutt