Hi all, I know this is a long shot, but I need some answers regarding the front axle on a 1928 Hudson Super-Six (Model S). 1). What is the measurement from center to center of the spring pads? 2). What is the standard front track width (center of tread to center of tread)? 3). What is the 'wheel mount surface' to 'wheel mount surface' dimension? Thankyou to any that can help. Grumpy65
Maybe we can approach this from a different angle. Does anyone have any suggestions for a front axle setup on a '28 Hudson. What about a custom tube axle to suit the existing parallel front springs? Before anyone asks, I don't have an original axle.
The Hudson Essex Terraplane Club would be a good source. Just don't tell them you are building a hot rod https://hetclub.org/
Yeah, already made that mistake. Doesn't seem to go down very well. I did eventually get some dimensions over there. Just wanted to confirm them here if possible, and get other ideas on ways to go.
My 31 Hudson has a Chevy axle under it, I think your 28 is a different size. But you maybe able to find an axle that the spring pads are close to the Essex size and you could modify the spring perches?
I got dimensions for pad center to pad center on a '28 Hudson from someone on at the Hudson Essex Terraplane Club. 28.25". Closest I can find for Chevy is '33-'39 car axle at 28". https://droppedaxles.com/chevy-dropped-axles-0 I guess it wouldn't be hard to accommodate for the one-eighth of an inch each side.
It was stock original. I'll see if I can put a link to my thread I did on it. I still have original chassis with front leaf springs on it.
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/hop-up-mods-for-1928-hudson-super-six.782975/ Prob no help, I could go take some pics of chassis and take some rough measurements. It was hit hard in the rear in the fifties, when it was raced as a stock car. One chassis rail is outer wack.
Most cars of this era are pretty similar dimensions, so Chevy, mopar, even Ford axles could be adapted. My avatar Plymouth coupe has a Chevy PU axle under it. My current Plymouth sedan project has a '36 Hudson axle. Also, Speedway used to sell a "universal" dropped tube axle that you weld on spring perches...might check into that.
Not really answering your question...but if you're building a hotrod (not restoring)...then the questions could be altered to: What do you need the track width to be to get the look you're after...and to clear fenders if so installed. How low do you want it to sit? Build suspension components to accomplish the goal. What approach to steering are you after? Engineer and install components to ensure no bumpsteer, correct ackerman, correct castor etc. What brakes are you planning? Make sure they are accounted for in your axle width goal. Adapt them to spindles (engineer and make, or purchase components). Not trying to be a smart a$$. This, for me, is all part of the fun of building and figuring out a hotrod.
Thanks, all good points, and all under control. Wanted standard track width as a starting point for axle width calculations. Mounting surface to mounting surface to work out brakes. Stance, with regards to the actual axle, is only related to axle drop (then mounting as part of the overall result). Steering and suspension are a somewhat seperate matter to axle choice, although must be compatible. I would really love to see setups others have used. Pics would really help. Visual appeal is also a concern. At least we haven't had the usual "convert it to transverse leaf spring". It is not a ford. If I decide to completely change the whole setup, it will be with a torsion bar design...................
Here's an old pic of the chevy axle in my Pymouth. It now has taller narrower tires.... Been thinking about putting an early Ford style dropped tube axle under it to lower it a bit more. Just weld some perches on....that should piss off the buggy spring crowd!
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