Rebuild Model A Rear Axle
 

We have a 1929 Ford Model A closed cab pickup.
We are looking for someone who can rebuild the rear axle & differential.
Can you recommend someone in the area?
We live in Midland, MI.

Re: Rebuild Model A Rear Axle
 

All you need to rebuild your axle is a few common tools and a parts supply, they are simple and easy to work on.

Re: Rebuild Model A Rear Axle
 

Get a pro to do it. Setting the preload, etc can be very challenging.

Re: Rebuild Model A Rear Axle
 

Now how's that for some diverse responses to your question!

While I agree with both responses to some degree, we should remember that some who post this kind of question may not be up to the task physically of wrestling with that rear end. It is a heavy thing for sure. Or, as in my case, I have more money than time and I have no money....

Re: Rebuild Model A Rear Axle
 

While this may be schemantics to some, I think the basic differences between the advice given above is the word "rebuilt". If someone wants it 'repaired', then yes home tools and some parts will likely suffice. Rebuilt, restored, etc. generally involves more specialized work/tools IMO because the parts should be thoroughly degreased & blasted, the flanges need to be trued-up in a lathe, housing hub races likely need to be replaced (to allow for better brake shoe alignment), perchs repaired, shock link balls replaced, etc. where everything in the entire unit is brought back within tolerances.

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Re: Rebuild Model A Rear Axle
 

Thanks for the responses.
Our truck is not restored, its a survivor that we want to continue to use and keep street worthy.

The truck's personality has gradually gotten louder, so we put the back end up on jack stands and ran it through the gears. Most of the noise was coming from the rear end. So it looks like it is time for a tear down and overhaul.


I read the MARC Differential (Rear End) Restoration Seminar by Tom Endy and felt it was over my head (as Brent indicated).


Do you think it is possible for a father and son (with the help of Les Andrews books) can do a successful teardown and rebuild?

Re: Rebuild Model A Rear Axle
 

Ja - you are able.

I was, and i never saw an open axle before.
I didnt understand Tom Endys Seminar in advance , but understood afterwards.

Take Les Andrews books, take Toms superbe Seminar, TAKE YOUR time,
Be carefull (with the spreader) and start your work.

Use search function to find according questions (of dummies like me) and once you
struggle, ask in this wonderfull forum.

Best "father and son thing" you might find.

Have fun and tell us about.
Christoph

Edit
I did that after work in evening hours, had to order parts "arround the planet" and it took 3 weeks.

Re: Rebuild Model A Rear Axle
 

IMO with tom endys differential tech article you guys can freshen it up yourselves. its as basic as a rear can get. any other things your not sure about when doing it just ask here on the forum...
mitch

Re: Rebuild Model A Rear Axle
 

While you've got it out, drop the trans and look at that too.

Re: Rebuild Model A Rear Axle
 

I very much agree with 700rpm...it's a good time to clean up and reseal the transmission, you will have the rear end out for at least a couple of weeks while you order parts and go to the machine shop if needed...so it's a good time.

Also, if you don't yet....Join a local Model A Club...there will always be "experts" who will give you advise and pointers...some good some bad..and usually someone will have a good rear spring tool they will loan... plus sometimes you can get someone to help...thats the fun part of club membership...wish you were closer...I am pretty good at rear end rebuilds...love to help.

Joel
Chester Ca.

Re: Rebuild Model A Rear Axle
 

...and since the transmission is now out of the truck, you might should look at the clutch disc & pressure plate too. Heck, go ahead and check the flywheel run-out and the balance of the flywheel since you are going to a machine shop. Jeez if you are that far, you should probably remove the oil pan and check the main & rod bearing clearances. Probably should tighten those up and rebuild the oil pump too!

Now to remove the center main bearing bolts you will want to remove the carburetor and the side cover. Since the carburetor is being removed, you should probably send it out and have it rebuilt too, and with the cover off, this would make a great time to check all the valve clearances. Speaking of valve clearances, you might want to check the clearance of the stem to guides which is easiest if you remove the cylinder head. When you think about it, you already have a head-start on the cylinder head if you removed the distributor & drive gear to gain access to that main bolt. With the head off, this would be a great time to freshen the valves up a little because we know this is critical for having a smooth running engine! Yep since the distributor is out too, why not install a new kit in that just so you won'thave any problems with it later. Oh and since the brakes are off of the rear axle now, you should definitely think about rebuilding..... :eek:

Naturally I said all this tongue-in-cheek but I'm thinking you guys are trying to persuade these boys into doing WAY more than what they came looking for!! :o Jus' sayin':D

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Re: Rebuild Model A Rear Axle
 

Check in with the local club. someone can recommend you to a dependable place. Bob

Re: Rebuild Model A Rear Axle
 

BRENT in 10-uh-C. . . . .
Have you been looking over my shoulder? You are pretty much describing what I'm going thru right now. "while I'm there, I might as well . . . . ."

Re: Rebuild Model A Rear Axle
 

My sugestion would be to find someone that knows what they are doing. If done right it should never have to be worked on again.

Charlie Stephens

Re: Rebuild Model A Rear Axle
 

As I've said before, one thing leads to another and another . . ..

I find it very hard to limit myself once I start, but I'm much more successful and happier if I only repair ONE THING AT A TIME!

Re: Rebuild Model A Rear Axle
 

Oh man, I'm right there with ya! I have the rear end out of my car as well, and while attending my clubs annual picnic lastnight I got talked into pulling the trans also... I'm a little too much of a perfectionist for my own good. I have a hard time leaving well enough alone. I only drove the car a few miles before tearing into it almost a year ago and seemed to run and shift fine (everything else has needed addressing though) and I know I'll have that nagging thought when I got it back together "gee, wish I'd taken a look at the trans/clutch while that was all apart" and then 3 months later had an issue and really been sorry!

I guess its all piece of mind so I'll be able to keep up on tour and not have any surpises when I get my coupe roadworthy. The agonizing part is that I REALLY want to drive it and I"ve come SO FAR it seems very close! I'm sure the little extra time and money would not be regretted however. I also have a baby (my wife and I's first) on the way due in December so its motivation to spend $$ and work on my A while I can so I better hurry up and git er done!

Re: Rebuild Model A Rear Axle
 

just to add my .02
redo the brakes while its out
tk
fyi i have a rebuilt 4.11 in stock with new brakes wink wink
also a complete ready to run front axle with new brakes

Re: Rebuild Model A Rear Axle
 

I would recommend a 3.54 gear set, certainly not a 4.11.

Re: Rebuild Model A Rear Axle
 

i agree with the 3:54's nice overall ratio. without an overdrive that baby would be screaming with 4:11's.

Re: Rebuild Model A Rear Axle
 

A lot of trucks came with the 4:11 gearset from the factory, yours may be one. A member went from an original 4:11 ratio to a 3:54 and was pleased. If you live with lots of hills, or want to carry a load I would suggest 3;78 for all around comfort.