Oldschoolers - Why'd ya move the front wheels forward?

Ok, I have read that back in the late '60's and early '70's, S/S and "stock" racers would modify the front suspension to move the front wheels forward about 1"-2" forward of the stock (factory) location. I read that it was for an advantage in the staging beams. Can somebody explain:

1) How it was done? and,
2) How the advantage worked?

I don't see how it gives an advantage. That same forward reposition breaks the beam earlier at the top end of the track...you're still covering 1320 feet.

Kindly 'splain it to me.

Many thanks,

Weight transfer. The motor remains in the same location, so the percentage of weight on the rear wheels will increase if the wheelbase is extended. AFX cars moved both front and rear wheels forward to put more weight on the rear tires. Also, some people used to stagger one front wheel (move one forward) to increase rollout if the driver had problems red lighting (junior dragsters have this built into the chassis because the tires are so short).

At the risk of showing my age this is what we did. We moved one side forward 1/2 inch. One side back 1/2 inch. This was to increase rollout. We didn't change air pressure in the front tires. AHRA allowed one inch stagger in wheel base. There were no reaction times back then. Also we could roll in a little deeper without fear of red lighting. Deeper stage, even a few inches would take some et off.

Ok Thanks guys.

It makes sense from the weight transfer and rollout perspective. I didn't realize that the front wheels were staggered. I owned a Hemi car where both front fender lips were cut and spliced forward. Now I'm beginning to think the cuts were just made for taller tires.

Thanks again,

It has the same effect as moving the motor back.
Bottom line is it = more hook.