Ken, you are old so you probably know the answer to this question lol
What is the deal with the solid front axles on the old gassers?
There are a bunch of reasons, back in the 60's you had to run a hood so this allowed you to set the engine lower, it also allows for better weight transfer, is lighter, takes out the wheel droop of a IFS so when you do a wheel stand the wheels come down straight, there by is safer. Allows more room for headers.
I believe there was a rule about the max distance the center line of the crank had to be from the ground, I believe it was 24". Some belief that the 24 inch rule was put in the books to eliminate the Ramchargers C/A from competition. I don't know that for a fact but the chevy guys of the day bitched about having to compete against a, "factory team."
I'm sure there are other reasons. I like them because they look cool as hell. :thumb::thumb: