Are all Banjo Trumpets the same?

[Roadster62]

Now that I have your attention, is the rear axle centerline and rear spring mount centerline the same on all 1932-48 trumpets? I'm trying to figure out installing a Model A rear spring in a 1932 Chassis, and wonder how that bent 32-34 spring center compairs location wise to later trumpets. Thanks!

[bobH]

It will be interesting to see what measurements are posted. On the few occasions when I've looked into this, I've found a difference, maybe 3/4-7/8 in, between 32-34, and 35-up, making the wheelbase about that much shorter, if one puts a 35-up rear end, into a 32-34 chassis. Let's see what the others have found. And, check your own measurements....

[svm99]

When I mounted a "T" rear crossmember into my '32 frame on my '28 RPU project with a '35-'36 rear axle I aligned the axle CL with CL of the axle stop riveted to the '32 frame in the rear kickup area, seemed to work fine.
Paul J.

[rotorwrench]

The short answer is no, they're not the same through the 32/48. There are other differences to mention that change things. The late 32 thru 34 are basicaly the same. Early 32 is different like a highbred between Model A & 32. The 35 & 36 use the bones as the spring hanger. 37 thru 41 are all near the same with exception to brake parts (mechanical VS hydraulic). The 42 through 48 got wider by near an inch per side on the axle so the spring width had to change again.

This is a good place to compare the bells. www.hotrodworks.com/project_vehicles_view.asp@carid=39.html

The 35/36 is a good choice for open drive conversion and the 37 thru 41 will still keep the width in a good place for a Model A. On the original 32 frame, it is sometimes better to modify for a flat spring installation instead of the original angled spring. I've seen folks do this in threads on the HAMB. Some just take the 32 cross member out and install a model A cross member.

Kerby

[Roadster62]

Thank you everyone. My plan is to cut the spring hangers off some junk trumpets, bore out the centers to slide over a 9 inch Ford rear housing that will be narrowed then weld them and the bearing carriers back on. I plan to run a T rear spring. Just looking at the 26-27 rear crossmember and wondering if I should some how cut and fit it to the '32 rear crossmember to have a stronger product. I don't have frame rails yet, just planning the next part of the project.

[Barry WNY]

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I usr a T truck spring and the spread was identical to the '37 spring on the reared I used. I did not want to mount the spring on the top of the axle and gain height. BUT... I made a bucket body and didn't worry about wheel location.
What is important is the spring wants to be stretched to preload, should be at least the length of a shackle short, about 1.5"

[PeteVS]

Are you planning on centering the A spring over the axles? Or are you planning on mounting the spring behind the axles? If you're going behind the axles, my experience says that the spring centerline at the top to the axle centerline is the same whether the spring is curved ('32 to '34) or straight ('35 to '48.) (I'm putting a '48 rear into a '32 and I modified the spring to fit into the '32 crossmember.)

For spring centered over the axle (and I'm doing this on an A- next project) one way is to use the spring mounts from A axle housings bolted and welded onto '40 axle housings. This is not my photo- I got it off the HAMB.

[PeteVS]

One thing to keep in mind is that the torque tube mounting flange to axle centerline is different between A through early '32 and late '32 through '48. A later torque tube used in an A or early '32 should be about .42" shorter than the torque tube that was in the car.

[Strick]

Originally Posted by PeteVS

Are you planning on centering the A spring over the axles? Or are you planning on mounting the spring behind the axles? If you're going behind the axles, my experience says that the spring centerline at the top to the axle centerline is the same whether the spring is curved ('32 to '34) or straight ('35 to '48.) (I'm putting a '48 rear into a '32 and I modified the spring to fit into the '32 crossmember.)

For spring centered over the axle (and I'm doing this on an A- next project) one way is to use the spring mounts from A axle housings bolted and welded onto '40 axle housings. This is not my photo- I got it off the HAMB.

Believe that photo belongs to Chris here on Fordbarn. He can probably add more info if needed.

[Roadster62]

Pete & Strick, thanks for the info. I've got a pair of old exStock Car rear axle trumpets that I plan to cut the ends off of. the chassis build is over a year away, but collecting parts is always fun.