The Ford Barn

Kenwood · 03-10-2015, 10:21 PM

A couple of years back I purchased a 3-4 inch dropped axle
I believe it to be made from an original ford axle because it has the Ford insignia
I also received 2 bars that went from the axle back to the frame
The setup probably came from the 50's It's definitely a Model A front axle except dropped
I read all the procedure that the gentleman did lowering his A with a 32/36 axle , spring perches , spindles etc
How do I go about installing this in a stock 30-31 A with procedure, parts , What problems would I run across? Currently have 225 radial 16's on the car
Can I use the stock wishbone or do I need to install the bars going back to the frame if that's where they attach.
Thanks Ken

Chuck Sea/Tac · 03-11-2015, 12:00 AM

I'm no expert, but if its a stretched axle, then your wheel width is going to be narrower.
An A axle is fairly straight, so 3 or 4 inches is a lot.

Charlville · 03-11-2015, 02:44 AM

I would take this one over to the H.A.M.B loads of info around this over there.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/

kelley's restoration · 03-11-2015, 06:33 AM

p.m me or call
i have spent many a hour going through ford parts and getting them to work together to lower my model a's
tom

Tiny · 03-11-2015, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kelley's restoration

p.m me or call
i have spent many a hour going through ford parts and getting them to work together to lower my model a's
tom

The one thing I've always wondered is how does the brake rod return spring work out? With the backing plates being in a higher than stock position, it seems as though the steeper angle of the brake rod would not work on this one point. I've thought of doing the 32-34 axle before but no one can give me a good answer to this. Maybe you can shed a bit of light for me

Tim Ayers · 03-11-2015, 06:43 AM

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I used a '32 axle, reversed eye and took some leaves out of the pack. Lowered it quite a bit.

rocket1 · 03-11-2015, 03:52 PM

If the axle is dropped it is definitely to short.

Mike V. Florida · 03-11-2015, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocket1

If the axle is dropped it is definitely to short.

Why?

d.j. moordigian · 03-11-2015, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenwood

A couple of years back I purchased a 3-4 inch dropped axle
I believe it to be made from an original ford axle because it has the Ford insignia
I also received 2 bars that went from the axle back to the frame
The setup probably came from the 50's It's definitely a Model A front axle except dropped
I read all the procedure that the gentleman did lowering his A with a 32/36 axle , spring perches , spindles etc
How do I go about installing this in a stock 30-31 A with procedure, parts , What problems would I run across? Currently have 225 radial 16's on the car
Can I use the stock wishbone or do I need to install the bars going back to the frame if that's where they attach.
Thanks Ken

Besides getting the wheel base square, (check it for "diamond") make
sure you have a minimum of 5° of caster at ride height with the tires
that your going to use...
The caster changes with tire diameter,..front or rear..

zzlegend · 03-11-2015, 07:05 PM

Tiny, here is how one guy did it. Not mine. But anything could be fabricated similar.

Tiny · 03-12-2015, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zzlegend

Tiny, here is how one guy did it. Not mine. But anything could be fabricated similar.

ZZ
I was using the wrong term.
What does one do with the anti-rattlers or brake rod return spring? The little hangers that are in between the brake service cross shaft and the backing plate. It seems that as the incline of the brake rod increases the spring would bind the brake rod. This is the one piece of this puzzle that I have never seen in a picture of this conversion

gwhite · 03-12-2015, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiny

ZZ
I was using the wrong term.
What does one do with the anti-rattlers or brake rod return spring? The little hangers that are in between the brake service cross shaft and the backing plate. It seems that as the incline of the brake rod increases the spring would bind the brake rod. This is the one piece of this puzzle that I have never seen in a picture of this conversion

Nothing needs to be done; it works fine with a moderate drop (32-6 axle, reverse eye spring).

Bob C · 03-11-2015, 08:19 PM

I wonder if you could swap the kingpins and brake actuators
from one side to the other, turn the actuator arms 180 so they
point down like the 32-34 to lower the brake rods.

Bob

62pan · 03-12-2015, 07:55 AM

This is a complete 32 axle setup under my roadster. Sorry the photo is not the best.

The actuators and kingpins were moved to the opposite side and the brake levers changed so they pointed up like an A's. I did this because if left in the orginial location the brake levers pointing down interfered with the spring perches. You can not change just the brake lever as the actuator only works one way. You can use the A kingpins and actuators but this is what I had.

Stock shocks would not fit between the brake rod and frame so I am using Delco Lovejoy era shocks. The car has been on the road for two years now with no problems.

gwhite · 03-12-2015, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 62pan

This is a complete 32 axle setup under my roadster. Sorry the photo is not the best.

The actuators and kingpins were moved to the opposite side and the brake levers changed so they pointed up like an A's. I did this because if left in the orginial location the brake levers pointing down interfered with the spring perches. You can not change just the brake lever as the actuator only works one way. You can use the A kingpins and actuators but this is what I had.

Stock shocks would not fit between the brake rod and frame so I am using Delco Lovejoy era shocks. The car has been on the road for two years now with no problems.

Love that car! Do you have a pic of your Lovejoy shocks?

newshirt · 03-12-2015, 08:28 AM

Ken, consider returning the car to original. I know that may sound quaint and stupid, but there is a lot of value and enjoyment in the Model A as Henry built it. There are tons of resources for choosing the correct parts to return your car to original. For instance, you could start with the 'Restoration Guidelines and Judging Standards' -- an awesome work. And there are others, and guys on this forum to help.

This is a restoration forum for stock Model A's. In other words, we're restoring the cars to original condition, as they came off the factory floor. There's another forum for mods you're describing. I'm sure you can respect that.

FRANK PKNY · 03-12-2015, 09:36 AM

What NewShirt is trying to say is that your on the incorrect forum! Surprised you have not been deleted as of yet! My advise is to make the car as you want and enjoy it! I have both stock cars and hot rod cars in my blood! Yes I enjoy them both. But if someone gets a little testy about a modification I made so be it. It's my car and I'll do what pleases me. End of the story!! JMHO

Charlville · 03-12-2015, 09:44 AM

As I said get some love on the H.A.M.B

CT AV8 · 03-12-2015, 10:55 AM

Kenwood,
I've done what you're looking for. PM me with your email address and I will send some pics and info. Some guys here view this as a restoration forum and get upset with posts about Model A mods. I can walk you through it but best to take it private out of respect for other members.

zzlegend · 03-12-2015, 12:46 PM

AH,,,,,,,my mistake Tiny.

I guess a guy would have use a little double chrome molium organic a rang a tang fabrication of metal organisms and welding of the mind,,,,,,,,,,,

Or?

I don't recall how the guy did it in the picture I posted. I seen that truck along time ago. But I do remember he had black walls on it.

Blackwall Panther Club Member?

Maybe.

03-10-2015, 10:21 PM	#1
Kenwood Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 11	Re how to lower an A the old fashioned way A couple of years back I purchased a 3-4 inch dropped axle I believe it to be made from an original ford axle because it has the Ford insignia I also received 2 bars that went from the axle back to the frame The setup probably came from the 50's It's definitely a Model A front axle except dropped I read all the procedure that the gentleman did lowering his A with a 32/36 axle , spring perches , spindles etc How do I go about installing this in a stock 30-31 A with procedure, parts , What problems would I run across? Currently have 225 radial 16's on the car Can I use the stock wishbone or do I need to install the bars going back to the frame if that's where they attach. Thanks Ken

03-11-2015, 12:00 AM	#2
Chuck Sea/Tac Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Between Seattle & Tacoma Posts: 2,411	Re: Re how to lower an A the old fashioned way I'm no expert, but if its a stretched axle, then your wheel width is going to be narrower. An A axle is fairly straight, so 3 or 4 inches is a lot.

03-11-2015, 02:44 AM	#3
Charlville Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: West Berkshire, United Kingdom Posts: 368	Re: Re how to lower an A the old fashioned way I would take this one over to the H.A.M.B loads of info around this over there. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/ __________________ Kevin Flood West Berkshire UK Member MAFCGB, VHRA, SAH, Brooklands Trust Sporadic progress on My 1929 Sport Coupe can be found here along with my blog http://automotiveamerican.com/

03-11-2015, 06:33 AM	#4
kelley's restoration Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: 60046 Posts: 888	Re: Re how to lower an A the old fashioned way p.m me or call i have spent many a hour going through ford parts and getting them to work together to lower my model a's tom __________________ anyone need some Model A restoration work done in Illinois? shoot me an email for pics and information [email protected]

03-11-2015, 03:52 PM	#7
rocket1 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Midland Park,N.J. Posts: 1,108	Re: Re how to lower an A the old fashioned way If the axle is dropped it is definitely to short.

03-11-2015, 08:19 PM	#13
Bob C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: So Cal Posts: 9,354	Re: Re how to lower an A the old fashioned way I wonder if you could swap the kingpins and brake actuators from one side to the other, turn the actuator arms 180 so they point down like the 32-34 to lower the brake rods. Bob

03-12-2015, 08:28 AM	#16
newshirt Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 868	Re: Re how to lower an A the old fashioned way Ken, consider returning the car to original. I know that may sound quaint and stupid, but there is a lot of value and enjoyment in the Model A as Henry built it. There are tons of resources for choosing the correct parts to return your car to original. For instance, you could start with the 'Restoration Guidelines and Judging Standards' -- an awesome work. And there are others, and guys on this forum to help. This is a restoration forum for stock Model A's. In other words, we're restoring the cars to original condition, as they came off the factory floor. There's another forum for mods you're describing. I'm sure you can respect that. __________________ Ray White

03-12-2015, 09:36 AM	#17
FRANK PKNY Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: POUGHKEEPSIE NY 12601 Posts: 1,020	Re: Re how to lower an A the old fashioned way What NewShirt is trying to say is that your on the incorrect forum! Surprised you have not been deleted as of yet! My advise is to make the car as you want and enjoy it! I have both stock cars and hot rod cars in my blood! Yes I enjoy them both. But if someone gets a little testy about a modification I made so be it. It's my car and I'll do what pleases me. End of the story!! JMHO __________________ [email protected]

03-12-2015, 09:44 AM	#18
Charlville Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: West Berkshire, United Kingdom Posts: 368	Re: Re how to lower an A the old fashioned way As I said get some love on the H.A.M.B __________________ Kevin Flood West Berkshire UK Member MAFCGB, VHRA, SAH, Brooklands Trust Sporadic progress on My 1929 Sport Coupe can be found here along with my blog http://automotiveamerican.com/

03-12-2015, 10:55 AM	#19
CT AV8 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Cos Cob, CT Posts: 295	Re: Re how to lower an A the old fashioned way Kenwood, I've done what you're looking for. PM me with your email address and I will send some pics and info. Some guys here view this as a restoration forum and get upset with posts about Model A mods. I can walk you through it but best to take it private out of respect for other members.

03-12-2015, 12:46 PM	#20
zzlegend Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Reseda, Calif. Posts: 2,191	Re: Re how to lower an A the old fashioned way AH,,,,,,,my mistake Tiny. I guess a guy would have use a little double chrome molium organic a rang a tang fabrication of metal organisms and welding of the mind,,,,,,,,,,, Or? I don't recall how the guy did it in the picture I posted. I seen that truck along time ago. But I do remember he had black walls on it. Blackwall Panther Club Member? Maybe.