On a stock 1931 Model A roadster, will a 42-48 rear end be too wide, running stock fenders? The wheels being used will be stock 35 wires with 7.50 Coker bias plies. I know a 40 rear end tucks the tires in real good, but, will the 42-48 rear end have the tires slightly in the fender, or will the tires actually stick out Slightly? A pic or 2 would really be helpful, thanks.
This may or may not help. But I purchased a tube axle from a HAMB member for a ‘46-8 Ford. Googles “track width” of the Ford to see if it matched my needs. If memory serves 56.5? Inches, but as I said, Google found me the answers.
They are pretty wide. Why change from the stock rear? My Avatar '29 AV8 has a flathead V8 with stock Model A rear end and has been that way since 1958. Dave
There is a baby blue model A sedan on here with a 42-48 rear. It works, but it's a little wide. I can't find any pictures though. Sorry.
It’s for my son’s 31. Will be running a 283 with a 39 trans. He acquired a super clean 42-48 rear end with the torque tube and wishbones, so he would like to use it if it isn’t too wide. If it’s 3/4” wider per side that doesn’t sound like much, but would really like to see some pics! Hopefully the tread on the 7.50’s would be in the fender…not too worried about the sidewall bulge not being in the fender. Before pic…we are building a different A chassis, and will swap the body over.
According to this thread from 2010 https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/early-ford-banjo-rear-widths.545326/ 48 rear axles are 61-1/4 WMS to WMS Down the page this was posted. - Model A (1928-1931) is 57 Inches (drum to drum) - 1932-'34 is 57 and 3/4 - 1935-'41 is 59 and a half . . . and '48 is 61 inches. I hope this helps. That would push the tires out 2 inches on each side.
Not too crazy about the wheels way in the fender either. I’m sure way back when, they were built both ways!
If you plan on running the A rear spring, your shackle angle will not be right, 42-48 spring is 1-1/2" shorter, than 35-40. This is what it looks like without hardly any weight.
I agree with dwollam on the stock rear end, my avatar was flathead powered with a stock rear end and no problems. My 30 Sport Coupe has an 8BA flathead, bored 60, old style 3/4 cam, Offenhauser heads and dual intake with two 94's and a stock rearend with 3:54 gears and no problems. The bearings are the same as the V8 rear end and the axles are the same diameter, the ring , pinion and carrier are smaller and lighter but not a problem with fairly narrow tires. Most times the first thing you will break is shear the axle key on either rear end, I even did that with my B motored 30 pickup.
I got my 9” rear from Pete& Jakes for my 31 coupe. It was 56”. But I did get some tire rub and put 1/2” spacers on both sides. 57” might be good.
I just scraped the axle you should look for 46 pick up , banjo , open drive shaft . 3.42 ratio is what I had . Just my 2 cents . I think the stock rear is plenty strong enough for an “ adult “ driver . Nothing is made so strong a fool can’t break it . Buddy used , 46 truck cross member , trans , open drive shaft , 46 truck rear axle and hot 53 Mercury flat motor . Never one issue . Just sayin
The Jalopy Journal
