Good evening everyone, I recently purchased a 1935 Ford Model 48. This vehicle has no engine, transmission or rear differential. That being said, I have a 1978 Buick V6, with transmission, and a narrowed differential. Both the engine and transmission fit like a glove, but my knowledge of how to install a GM rear differential is lacking in this case. The rear differential is from a 1975 GM p***enger car(approx) and has been rebuilt. I've gotten everything else taken care of, but the rear end is a huge puzzle for me. I know it's not bolt on per se, but I want to make it as easy as possible,as this will be my business vehicle going forward. Any advice would be deeply appreciated.
Welcome to the HAMB. You might want to read the guidelines and post an intro. There are a number of ways to mount a rear axle, but most likely you are going to fall outside the traditional deal here. You could message a moderator and ask them to move this to the O/T section.
I would cut off and remove the existing spring perches, and move them or replace them to line up with the leaf springs. If you want it lower, put the axle above the springs and reweld the perches on to the desired location.
Pete & Jakes or Posies both offer a parallel leaf spring kit for your '35. That is a pretty straight forward way to mount your rear end.
I definitely will look further into it. Are there images or examples from past projects someone would be kind enough to share?
I would use Posies' bolt in parallel leaf spring kit to mount the rear axle. Easy to install, and your car ends up sitting right. You do have to weld the spring saddles and lower shock mounts to the axle.
You can also contact Weedetr Street Rod Components...he's a member here under the name @Weedburner 40
We deviated from the instructions a bit. After installing the shackle tubes, we clamped the front mounts in place, installed the springs and axle, installed the tires, and let the car down on the ground. We did this extra step, just to be sure the tires were centered in the wheel wells before drilling the mount holes (if I remember right we moved them 1/2" or so). Also gave us a chance to set the pinion angle and tack the axle pads along with the lower shock mounts. Pulled it apart, drilled the mount holes, and finish welded the stuff on the axle.
Before I forget, forgive my stupidity, not used to working on this year of vehicle. I have a banjo rear and stock suspension from a friend for this car..could I potentially get it to work and tolerate a Buick V6? Or, would this rear just fatigue? It's from a 1935 model year.
1935 is mechanical brakes. Swapping in a stock rear will still have mechanical brakes. I'd guess that even the trad folks here would caution against not going with a hydraulic upgrade, front and rear. Ford started that in 39, but the 40-up are more often used. It's a simple matter of more go should be matched with more woah. So at that point, you are swapping in the engine and trans, and should also go with brakes. The late rear makes more sense, along with converting the pedal to a master cylinder and front brakes. The stock rear axle is also a closed drivetrain, which isn't easily connected to your later transmission.
If you’re doing modern drivetrain in front of, it’s a waste of time to use the old rearend. Use the modern rear and parallel leafs as suggested.
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