I want to do a new build using a 27 track "T" type body. It will use a 4 cylinder engine and 5 speed trans. The total weight will be less than 1500 pounds. I would like to use a dropped straight axle as apposed to a IFS. I am looking for pros and cons as I have no experience with straight axles. I do have many years with drag racing suspensions ("A"arm and strut types). I want to build a very basic/simple car somewhere between a rat rod and a nice rod. I am looking to drive accross country from time to time. Thanks....
www.mahaffeymotorsports.com
mahaffeymotorsports@hughes.net  

A straight axle would be a more tradional set-up on a track roadster and they can be made to ride and handle with very little work on a light car.  They will also handle a pot-hole or a runaway rabbit better than most light weight independant suspensions and the total number of moving parts is minimal.  

I agree, the lightweight of the T and the traditional look all make the straight axle the choice for me.  You can now get rack and pinion steering which may be worth while to research.  Posies makes some good springs too, the ride is much improved over stock style leaf springs.


Good Luck,
Kevin  

An IFS may have some pros as far as performance. but for most needs a Straight Axle is more then adequate, and look great.  

The straight axle would be the way to go. However, there is a proper way to set it up. there are a lot of choices to make. Do you want to use a 4 bar or hair pins? What kind of spindles? Spring over the axle or behind it? Drum or disc brakes. Hyd. or friction shocks. If you pick a theme for the car, traditional, '70's, '80's or state of the art, most of these questions will answer themselves.

There are some sites on the web that deal strictly in this type of car. They would be a great place to look for more info also.

Ron  

yeah good point, if you are trying to build a traditional rod you wouldn't want a IFS and if you built a car with all the modern conviniens you wouldnt want the straight axel