AA 4-speed in 30 Tudor... emergency brake rod length?

[pyrodork]

I bought a 30 Tudor that has a 4-speed transmission installed. I’m wondering if anybody knows what length of rod do I need from the emergency brake handle to the cross shaft (or at least, how do I properly measure it). I remember that it’s roughly around 20 inches. The cross shaft is currently pretty frozen from lack of use, but it does move with some torque applied. There’s a slight variation between the early and later Model A rods. I was suggested to try an AA rod, but there’s even more variants with that. I’d rather not have to make one with threaded clevis ends, but we will see.

Additionally, I have a curiosity question about my transmission... near where the brake handle goes, there is a piece that comes off of the housing that looks like a bolt would go through it to secure something. Possibly for a PTO related part, but it’s made into the housing and I’ve never seen it on another one. I’ll try to get a photo.

[Terry, NJ]

My father's cousin used to own a couple of AA Farm trucks and I recall them being geared so low,no one would want that kind of "Grandma Gear" ratios in a car. Just sayin"
Terry

[1955cj5]

Originally Posted by Terry, NJ

My father's cousin used to own a couple of AA Farm trucks and I recall them being geared so low,no one would want that kind of "Grandma Gear" ratios in a car. Just sayin"
Terry

1st gear in an AA 4-speed is very low, 6.4:1, that is your granny gear.

4th gear is the same as a 3-speed 3rd gear, 1:1....with a stock A differential road speeds would be the same as with a stock 3 speed

AA's had an additional "underdrive" that further lowered the ratio, and the differentials were also geared low.

http://aafords.com/aa-chassis/aa-4000-rear-axle/

4-speeds are great for parades and climbing onto trailers.....and its kind of fun to creep through a parking lot at a slow walk!

[1955cj5]

Originally Posted by pyrodork

I bought a 30 Tudor that has a 4-speed transmission installed. I’m wondering if anybody knows what length of rod do I need from the emergency brake handle to the cross shaft (or at least, how do I properly measure it). I remember that it’s roughly around 20 inches. The cross shaft is currently pretty frozen from lack of use, but it does move with some torque applied. There’s a slight variation between the early and later Model A rods. I was suggested to try an AA rod, but there’s even more variants with that. I’d rather not have to make one with threaded clevis ends, but we will see.

Additionally, I have a curiosity question about my transmission... near where the brake handle goes, there is a piece that comes off of the housing that looks like a bolt would go through it to secure something. Possibly for a PTO related part, but it’s made into the housing and I’ve never seen it on another one. I’ll try to get a photo.

I had an AA transmission in my pickup.

It used the later style e-brake rod that has a forged clevis on each end. I used the same rod with the 3-speed that was on the truck when it had a 4-speed. I later changed to a front mount e-brake and then needed a different rod. I still have the old one and will measure it later today.

Are you wondering about the plate on the side of the AA transmission, as shown in the picture?? That was for a PTO drive attachment.

The 4-speed is on the left of course....it's quite a bit bigger than the 3-speed.......

And remember the 4-speed holds something over 2 quarts of oil..


.

[Bob C]

For the 1929 AA with a 3-speed the rod is 28" long and with a 4-speed it
is 28 7/8" long. The Service Letter listing the part necessary to install a 4-speed
in a Model A does not list a different emergency brake rod.

Bob

[1955cj5]

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I measured the rod that was in use in my ccpu with the 4-speed and side mounted e-brake lever.

It's 18 3/4" long center to center.

Bratton's only shows one rod for 29-31 Model A...

https://www.brattons.com/july-29-31-...shaft-rod.html


You may have to buy/make a rod and then adjust as necessary....


.

[pyrodork]

Thanks, Bob and 1955. That gives me a nice starting point.

I used to own an AA with a PTO before I bought this Tudor. The extra piece wasn’t on that one.

[pyrodork]

Same photos with some different color/light editing for better clarity.

Not sure what the “arm” is for, but it’s not in the way. Just curious about it.

[Bob C]

That's a later bearing retainer and clam shell.

Bob

[pyrodork]

Now that I have the correct 18 3/4” rod, the transmission case is too fat for the rod to go straight. It’s the right length, but the cross shaft mount point is too far to the drivers side to be straight with where it mounts to the handle. Is there a work-around or an alternative option? Maybe a cable conversion?

[1955cj5]

This is how mine was with the 4-speed...you can see it was probably against the case...

Does yours need to bend even further to the drivers side?

[pyrodork]

Originally Posted by 1955cj5

This is how mine was with the 4-speed...you can see it was probably against the case...

Does yours need to bend even further to the drivers side?

It appears so. I’m working on dealing with some gremlins inside the handle itself now, but am also trying to figure the linkage out. The car didn’t come with a handle or linkage when I bought it. Shaft was pretty stuck. I’ve already accidentally bent the support brace because everything was so stiff and from the linkage not setting straight.

I just replaced the two springs behind the wheels. Need to figure out how to disassemble and replace the springs on the cross shaft yet. Time is a horrible enemy for projects.

I’ve been thinking about fabricating a longer clevis pin to make that rod between the handle and shaft fit straight. We shall see.