Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Model A (1928-31)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 10-18-2019, 10:59 AM   #1
ag32milner
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 13
Default Early V8 axle under Model A front end

First let me begin stating that this topic has been presented many times but I need assistance. I have 1935 front axle that I would like to install under a 1931 A and retain mechanical brakes. It is my understanding that 1932-34 spring perches are required to complete swap. Bob Drake has B-3032 perches for 1932's, I called their tech assistance and explained Plan A. I was informed that B-3032 would not work for my situation. Don't remember any "why nots". Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.

ag32milner
ag32milner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-18-2019, 11:54 AM   #2
Jim Brierley
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Temecula, CA
Posts: 4,066
Default Re: Early V8 axle under Model A front end

Model A through '34 had the same center-to-center spring-perch distance, 1935 - '48 that distance was wider, so the spring perch on your '35 would be closer to the brake backing plate. You would also need a longer spring, and your shocks wouldn't line up properly. '32-'34 would be an easier route to take.
Jim Brierley is online now   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 10-18-2019, 03:53 PM   #3
walls
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: SE PA
Posts: 101
Default Re: Early V8 axle under Model A front end

35 creates problems as stated, add modifying the wishbone to the list.
Basically, it’s not a direct swap.

If you use a 32-34 axle, I suggest using the spindles as well.
There’s not much room for the tie rod to clear the front crossmember and pan if you keep the model A spindles.
Although they can work, torching and bending the steering arms has to be just right.
Just my opinion.
walls is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-19-2019, 10:37 AM   #4
rotorwrench
Senior Member
 
rotorwrench's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 16,367
Default Re: Early V8 axle under Model A front end

The distance from the top of the axle I-beam to the bottom at the perch points also changed which would affect the fit up of the wishbone. Model A axles are still out there. I've purchased a lot of them looking for straighter ones than ones I had. It would be a lot easier to just replace it.
rotorwrench is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-19-2019, 07:14 PM   #5
Chris Haynes
Senior Member
 
Chris Haynes's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Camarillo, CA and Pine Grove, CA
Posts: 2,830
Default Re: Early V8 axle under Model A front end

The V8 axle will drop your front end a bit if that is what you are looking for. Reverse the spring eyes for more drop.
You will need a 1/4" thick spacer for the wishbone as the V8 axle is thinner. Put the spacer on the bottom of the axle. Otherwise the tie rod will rub on the wishbone. I found 1/4" fender washers that work nicely after having the center hole enlarged.
__________________
1921 Runabout
1930 Tudor
Early 1930 AA
Speed costs money. How fast do you want to go?

Last edited by Chris Haynes; 10-20-2019 at 12:19 AM.
Chris Haynes is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-20-2019, 03:04 AM   #6
Randy in ca
Senior Member
 
Randy in ca's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 1,628
Default Re: Early V8 axle under Model A front end

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Brierley View Post
Model A through '34 had the same center-to-center spring-perch distance, 1935 - '48 that distance was wider, so the spring perch on your '35 would be closer to the brake backing plate. You would also need a longer spring, and your shocks wouldn't line up properly. '32-'34 would be an easier route to take.

Much of this is incorrect, in that 1935-36 axles are identical to 1933-34. The method of spring mounting differs between those years but there is no difference in the axles themselves. 1932 axles also share the same dimensions for wishbone attaching and kingpin holes but were made heavier overall. All 1932-36 axles are 1/4" smaller at the wishbone attaching point and a spacer is required here, as previously mentioned, if these axles are to be used with Model A wishbones attached.
Randy in ca is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-20-2019, 05:09 AM   #7
walls
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: SE PA
Posts: 101
Default Re: Early V8 axle under Model A front end

Don’t know how I forgot this.. too much to remember
33-36 axles are all the same as Randy states.

I’d still suggest using 32 spindles over the model A.

One more thing, you’re going to need a bushing for the 32 spring perches to use with the Model A shackle
walls is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-20-2019, 11:31 AM   #8
Chris Haynes
Senior Member
 
Chris Haynes's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Camarillo, CA and Pine Grove, CA
Posts: 2,830
Default Re: Early V8 axle under Model A front end

I used the "A" spring perches as the later ones have no provision for shock mounting. Here you can see that I removed the mount for the mechanical brakes.
Notice the 1/4" spacer between the bottom of the Axle and the Wishbone.

__________________
1921 Runabout
1930 Tudor
Early 1930 AA
Speed costs money. How fast do you want to go?

Last edited by Chris Haynes; 10-20-2019 at 11:47 AM.
Chris Haynes is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-20-2019, 11:46 AM   #9
Chris Haynes
Senior Member
 
Chris Haynes's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Camarillo, CA and Pine Grove, CA
Posts: 2,830
Default Re: Early V8 axle under Model A front end

Here is my '33-'36 Axle, Posey reversed eye spring, '37-'41 Spindles.
__________________
1921 Runabout
1930 Tudor
Early 1930 AA
Speed costs money. How fast do you want to go?
Chris Haynes is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-20-2019, 11:51 AM   #10
Jim Brierley
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Temecula, CA
Posts: 4,066
Default Re: Early V8 axle under Model A front end

Randy and Walls could be right, I don't think so but could be wrong. Best to measure before taking things apart, to be sure. '32 axles came in 2 styles, heavy duty and standard. Not sure but think the heavy duty was mostly in trucks. The difference is obvious when looking at them.
Jim Brierley is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 10-20-2019, 12:41 PM   #11
ursus
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Oregon
Posts: 1,369
Default Re: Early V8 axle under Model A front end

Chris Haynes: How did you get your tie rod to cross over above the wishbone? On a Model-A axle mounted with '37-'41 spindles the tie rod will pass below the wishbone. Did you have to bend the steering arms upward? Thanks!
ursus is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:57 AM.