Have the chrome stripped and then inspect the axle
Hey Roo, is this a service you can do for a fee?
I share the same concern. My car (173" FED) has a SPE front axle, but it does look a little sagged. It has signs in the middle point showing it has flexed enough to touch the asphalt a few times. It's a rigid front assembly, which further taxes the front axle. I just love the nostalgic look of the SPE front axle!
PS.: Bruce, nothing against you, but I'm one hour from Roo.