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Those of you running a Sid's dropped axle

Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 5:42 pm
by earlymopar
I'd like to hear from any of you running a Sid's dropped axle who are also running a V-8 (factory or swapped). I'd like to know what the distance is from the bottom of your oil pan to the top of your dropped axle and, what spring pack setup you have (4 pack or 5 pack or something different yet).

I'm swapping my slant 6 for a Poly and have a vivid memory from last summer of hitting a dip in the road and having my stock suspension (factory 4-pack) bottom out (with the slant 6). So, I'm considering adding leaf or running the 4-pack I have but with coil over shocks.

Thanks much, -EM

Re: Those of you running a Sid's dropped axle

Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2017 8:15 pm
by Rawbert
I am running a dropped axle with a 383. There is a 2" gap between oil pan and top of beam, but axle is far enough back it clears the sump. I am running 5 leafs, stock. BTW, shouldn't matter if its a stock beam or a dropped beam, location dosent change. If bottoming out is a issue with a 318, you can install some bump stops.

Re: Those of you running a Sid's dropped axle

Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2017 6:18 am
by earlymopar
Thanks for your reply Rawbert. I do remember when you set up your axle about the same time as I did mine. I'm the guy that directed you to the Ford dropped tie rod ends.

I appreciate your feedback. Your engine is slightly higher than mine but what caught my interest is your statement about the axle being "far enough back to clear the sump". You have a big block and I know your pain rail is different than an A or LA series small block but you seem to be running a front sump pan. Is that correct? I have a center sump pan from a station wagon but the sump is also behind the axle. Yes, I had been giving thought to bump stops but am pretty confident I need another leaf.

Thanks,

- EM

Re: Those of you running a Sid's dropped axle

Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2017 8:20 am
by Rawbert
Yes, front sump. The dropped tie rod ends were perfect!!! I've been thinking about taking out a leaf to get my truck to sit more level. Still a bit high in the front.

Re: Those of you running a Sid's dropped axle

Posted: Sun Jun 04, 2017 8:00 pm
by Hobcobble
earlymopar wrote: I have a center sump pan from a station wagon but the sump is also behind the axle.
A318 Front Sump
A318 Front Sump
You might want to scout around for a front sump and pick up tube
for your A318. :2cents :Thumbsup
John

Re: Those of you running a Sid's dropped axle

Posted: Mon Jun 05, 2017 6:39 am
by earlymopar
John:

I'm not clear on the reasoning behind your suggestion so perhaps I confused you with something I wrote. Adding a front sump would give me less clearance, in fact it would not fit because the sump would make contact with the axle.

- EM

Re: Those of you running a Sid's dropped axle

Posted: Mon Jun 05, 2017 7:32 pm
by Hobcobble
earlymopar wrote:John:

I'm not clear on the reasoning behind your suggestion so perhaps I confused you with something I wrote. Adding a front sump would give me less clearance, in fact it would not fit because the sump would make contact with the axle.

- EM
E.M.,
I was just going off of Rawbert's statement that the beam location wouldn't change. :Thumbsup
My truck in that pic was originally a Slant 6/A745 and I installed the A318/727. My springs
are original to the truck [D100 Short Wheel Base]. If you already are certain that the stock A/LA 318
front sump pan won't work, I certainly understand. :Thumbsup

John

Re: Those of you running a Sid's dropped axle

Posted: Mon Jun 05, 2017 8:21 pm
by earlymopar
Thanks John. Yes Rawbert's statement is correct and, a front sump may work with the engine in the factory location. I have opted to lower mine in the frame for additional space for my transmission and for the induction setup I'll be running later. Thanks for your help regardless.

- EM

Re: Those of you running a Sid's dropped axle

Posted: Tue Jun 06, 2017 10:34 am
by Hobcobble
earlymopar wrote:Thanks John. Yes Rawbert's statement is correct and, a front sump may work with the engine in the factory location. I have opted to lower mine in the frame for additional space for my transmission and for the induction setup I'll be running later. Thanks for your help regardless.

- EM
Understood. :Thumbsup

John

Re: Those of you running a Sid's dropped axle

Posted: Fri Jun 09, 2017 3:41 am
by abodyjoe
I'd like to know what the distance is from the bottom of your oil pan to the top of your dropped axle
don't they just modify the ends of the axle when they drop it? meaning that oil pan clearance is no difference then stock with just a dropped axle? now if you change springs i can see hat clearance changing.

Re: Those of you running a Sid's dropped axle

Posted: Fri Jun 09, 2017 5:58 am
by earlymopar
Yes, as noted above.

- EM