The Ford Barn

J Witt · 06-28-2016, 04:07 PM

While getting the engine ready to come out, I noticed the front axle bumpers are hard as rocks and cracked, so have a new pair on the way.

Question is, the bumpers look like they just ride up and down on the bolts through the frame holes, without anything positive to keep them on. The ones I removed only had a flat, split lock and nut on the stud and weren't tight enough to have the lock washer do anything.

Advice anyone? Guess I can always put a drop of thread lock on them.

Thanks,

Karl Wescott · 06-28-2016, 04:28 PM

iirc, they have a notched mounting to the frame, which keeps them from rotating when the nut is being tightened.

19Fordy · 06-28-2016, 05:48 PM

They screw tightly against the frame. You can also see the notch.
https://www.bobdrake.com/FordItem.as...e-bb93c698fef0

Don Rogers · 06-28-2016, 06:01 PM

Here's a picture of the front axle bumper showing notch and mounting hardware. ( From 1935-36 Ford Book)

JM 35 Sedan · 06-28-2016, 07:04 PM

These axle bumpers are made of a hard (high durometer) rubber material for a good reason. They normally take a beating on rough roads, especially back in the day when these cars were new. I know mine got a good workout on the Interstates I traveled (70 and 44) during my recent road trip.

DavidG · 06-28-2016, 07:51 PM

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Note in Don's illustration that no flat washer was used, unlike what you encountered on disassembly of the existing bumper. Such a washer serves no purpose when the stud passes through material the thickness of a frame rail and can actually lead to a loosening of the nut.

J Witt · 06-28-2016, 07:58 PM

Is the notch supposed to line up with something or is it just there to vent the interior space? Both of mine were full of rusty water when removed, probably from recent pressure washing.

I take it from these posts that the nuts should be tight, at least tight enough to set the lock washers.

Thanks for the information, guys.

Don Rogers · 06-28-2016, 09:49 PM

The notch allows the bumper to fit over the head of a large frame rivet. I believe that the rivet is one of many attaching the front cross member to the side rail.

J Witt · 06-29-2016, 01:55 PM

That worked out exactly as you said, Don. The notch keys on to a rivet head with a perfect fit -- notch is on the forward side of the bumper.

I did do a small modification, drilling a 3/16 hole on an angle from inside to out to allow that cavity to drain. Don't know if it matters, but the frame was rusty in the area where the base of the bumper contacts the frame.

06-28-2016, 04:07 PM	#1
J Witt Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Acworth GA Posts: 534	'36 front axle bumpers While getting the engine ready to come out, I noticed the front axle bumpers are hard as rocks and cracked, so have a new pair on the way. Question is, the bumpers look like they just ride up and down on the bolts through the frame holes, without anything positive to keep them on. The ones I removed only had a flat, split lock and nut on the stud and weren't tight enough to have the lock washer do anything. Advice anyone? Guess I can always put a drop of thread lock on them. Thanks, __________________ Houston, Tranquility base here. The Eagle has landed.

06-28-2016, 04:28 PM	#2
Karl Wescott Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,538	Re: '36 front axle bumpers iirc, they have a notched mounting to the frame, which keeps them from rotating when the nut is being tightened.

06-28-2016, 05:48 PM	#3
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 11,604	Re: '36 front axle bumpers They screw tightly against the frame. You can also see the notch. https://www.bobdrake.com/FordItem.as...e-bb93c698fef0 Last edited by 19Fordy; 06-28-2016 at 05:55 PM.

06-28-2016, 07:04 PM	#5
JM 35 Sedan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Near Rising Sun, Maryland Posts: 10,876	Re: '36 front axle bumpers These axle bumpers are made of a hard (high durometer) rubber material for a good reason. They normally take a beating on rough roads, especially back in the day when these cars were new. I know mine got a good workout on the Interstates I traveled (70 and 44) during my recent road trip. __________________ *John* *"Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts". Albert Einstein*

06-28-2016, 07:51 PM	#6
DavidG Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: southeastern Michigan Posts: 10,601	Re: '36 front axle bumpers Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Note in Don's illustration that no flat washer was used, unlike what you encountered on disassembly of the existing bumper. Such a washer serves no purpose when the stud passes through material the thickness of a frame rail and can actually lead to a loosening of the nut.

06-28-2016, 07:58 PM	#7
J Witt Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Acworth GA Posts: 534	Re: '36 front axle bumpers Is the notch supposed to line up with something or is it just there to vent the interior space? Both of mine were full of rusty water when removed, probably from recent pressure washing. I take it from these posts that the nuts should be tight, at least tight enough to set the lock washers. Thanks for the information, guys. __________________ Houston, Tranquility base here. The Eagle has landed.

06-28-2016, 09:49 PM	#8
Don Rogers Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wildwood, MO. (near St. Louis) Posts: 1,816	Re: '36 front axle bumpers The notch allows the bumper to fit over the head of a large frame rivet. I believe that the rivet is one of many attaching the front cross member to the side rail.

06-29-2016, 01:55 PM	#9
J Witt Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Acworth GA Posts: 534	Re: '36 front axle bumpers That worked out exactly as you said, Don. The notch keys on to a rivet head with a perfect fit -- notch is on the forward side of the bumper. I did do a small modification, drilling a 3/16 hole on an angle from inside to out to allow that cavity to drain. Don't know if it matters, but the frame was rusty in the area where the base of the bumper contacts the frame. __________________ Houston, Tranquility base here. The Eagle has landed.