https://www.speedwaymotors.com/1928-1948-Ford-Straight-Axles,2128.html Rather than using the Model A axle I have for my speedster build, I was thinking of ordering this straight axle from Speedway, as it would be more aesthetically correct. Additionally, it would be easier to incorporate all the custom fabrication I would have to do to. Only issue - is the quality there or are there other sources of supply? Not really interested in fabbing one up What I’m trying to recreate.
Would a T axle work? Those are usually cheap and the look period just seen your “fabrication” commmt. Mopar and Chrysler axles might work. And look period
This is a ten year old Speedway axle. I did have to adjust camber on one side with a jack and chains after a while. There is some quality there, but I don't know if the level of quality is up to your expectations or not. You can get an axle made with high quality, probably involving more wait and expense, and the ability to get the dimensions you want.
Haha! Thanks! Should be good enough for my purposes then. Will be using the banjo rear axle that came from the same chassis as did the front axle. Width is wider than I would like, but seems shortening it is more hassle than just getting another type of axle. The GN JAP I’m kinda replicating has a very narrow rear track due to the chain drive “solid diff”, and hence no slip. I want to run the Ford early five hubs/rims, and have been looking at used “sprint” type rims with some back spacing that would bring the rear tires closer to the body, but don’t want or need it as narrow as the GN.
It looks like you need for the axle to use 40 Ford "style" round back spindles and run 39 drums then. Most all circle track wide 5 wheels are designed for 5/8 lug bolts.
And those 5/8" holes are made for 45° cone lug nuts, not the more common 60° lug nuts found on street vehicles.
I like that it is made of "strong steel"; anyway the Speedway tube axles I have seen were OK. It really wouldn't be rocket science to narrow a Speedway axle to the width you desire, while on the other hand WAC could build you an axle right at your width.
Haha! Strong steel!? Guess the Chinese translation. They have a custom length option, but not by sure what I would need. I need to dig out the Model A axle to see what the king pin to king pin distance is. Seems typical early Ford stuff is 56” track width. Didn’t even think of the larger studs for the circle track wide five rims. There is always something else to consider. I really like the idea of running a fairly wide tire on the rear. I do have one 15” x 6” Kelsey Hayes wide five rim that I picked up at Hershey last year, but finding another is almost impossible, hence looking up the circle track wide five rims.
I think back years ago when Jelly in Wichita was building the Speedway tube axles they were a good product. He passed away, now I'm not sure?
If you have a welder, a dial indicator, and some patience, you can make your own 16" x 6-1/2" wide Wide-5 wheels, using the original Ford centers, and Chrysler minivan steel hoops (which can be had as wheels, cheap). You get safety beads in the process, too!
Also, you get to decide if these are forward, or reverse offset, and what the final offset is. The ones that I pictured are reversed, with the valve stem holes moved to the outside. You could run forward, with the center moved outward, to decrease the track width to where you want it.
I narrowed my Speedway axle to about 53” track width. Took about an hour. I think they are decent quality.
Well, holy hell! Thanks! That is exactly the look I’m looking for! Now that you mention it, I think I might have come across this idea while going some digging years ago. I’ll have to do some more digging. BTW, Where are those tail lights from? They look like something I could use.
Will be heading to Montreal tomorrow to pick up a F100 steering box, and found this nearby. Only one in the area that I could find.
The axle under this 55 was purchased from Speedway in 2012, it held up well in a heavy car with lots of wheelstands. In a light car such as yours, shouldn't be a problem.
The 01? Voyager I had (maybe ‘99) had 15’s also. But @Ziggster it has tires on it, no need to measure Edit: Mine was a Plymouth Voyager, sorry.
Well, the rims on the minivan were aftermarket rims with winter tires on them. So, no beuno, but on the way out I spotted two rims leaning against another vehicle. Pulled out my trusty wooden gauge, and seems it might be the correct size. Also seem to be 7” wide. Decided to pick them up as it was a 4 hr drive from home, but only 5 mins from where I picked up the F100 box, so worked out pretty good.
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