Speedway Tech Talk - Solid Axle Basics

Speedway Motors employee Steve L. takes some time to talk about the various solid axle options available at Speedway Motors. Normally used on our T-Buckets, these axles can be found on many vehicles as new as the early 1930’s.

Steve starts by talking about our traditional tube axle, already set up to run a radius rod style front suspension. (These axles are also available without brackets, should you choose to run a different suspension setup.) As Steve said, the axle shown uses a radius rod style suspension, where a clevis threaded into the radius rod fits over the bracket on the axle.

There are a few different styles of radius rods, the first chrome one that Steve picks up is the “hairpin” style, available in chrome, stainless steel, and also in black. The second style that Steve shows us is a bit more of the traditional style called a “Curtis” style radius rod, also available in chrome, stainless steel, and plain unfinished steel.

Steve also shows some wishbones, one being the solid style that is familiar on many hot rods, and the other is reminiscent of the 1950’s style with holes drilled in the wishbone body. Each of these wishbones are built with a threaded boss to mount the spring adapter. Your spring shackle will then mount to that spring adapter.

Many axles available at Speedway Motors are set up to work with one of two spindle styles. The first option is the 1937-41 Ford, identifiable by the round backing plate surrounding the king pin boss. The other option is the modified 1947-54 passenger car Chevy spindle. The general design is similar to the ’37-‘41 Ford, except that the Chevy spindle does not have the large round plate around the king pin boss. There is also a quarter inch of difference in the hole spacing.

Each spindle has had multiple updated disc brake kits assembled for them in multiple bolt patterns.

To look over the selection of straight axles, drop axles, and components available at Speedway Motors, click here.