32 Frame / A Rear Crosssmember

I am using an original 32 frame and need to install a Model A rear crossmember in it. It will be running a '39 rear with an A spring. My question is does the A crossmember go in the same location as the 32 (center of spring)? I seem to remember there being some difference in the distance from the rear spring perches to the axle center line on some years but don't remember for sure. Thanks.

 

I am going out on a limb here, but I believe that they are the same.

More or less I am putting this back at the top because I want to see you question answered by more of an expert.

Mike

 

It depends on what the rest of the rear suspension is. If, say, you were going to run '36 rear bones then the rear crossmember needs to be moved behind the axle. I have Pete and Jacks rear ladderbars on mine and had to move the crossmember back for shock mounting behind the axle but in front of the spring. If you keep the spring on top of the axle it will also be difficult to access your brake bleeders. There are a lot of configurations that work but almost as many that won't.

 

You will have to set the crossmember further back. the measurement is 6" from the back of the housing you are using or 7.5 from the center axle line. The axle will set in the same place as stock just your spring will be further back. 35-40 were set in the same place. 40's use spring perches from the rear end and 35-36 were mounted off the wishbones but were still the same distance.

 

yes the distance for the perches is different due to the 32-34 curved spring but the actual distance from the axle center to spring center remains the same as stated 7.5 inches so mark the spring center bolt location on the rails before you remove the 32 crossmember

 

What jetmet said. Here's one I built a few years ago......

 

Great that is just what I was looking for. Thanks everyone.

 

one more tidbit- in its stock location, the 32 rear axle is an inch too far forward, so if you are running fenderless, the tire is not exactly centered in the rear wheelwell. Since you are modifying it anyway, you should push it back one inch rearward to center it up.

That is what I did on my 32 with an A rear X-member. I am running a 9" rear, with Pete and Jakes cross spring mounts that are stock 32 length, and with my crossmember moved back an inch it centered the wheels nicely.

Matt

 

I am running a Rodsville quick change. I am worried if I move it back another inch then I will have to modify the gas tank. At this point I have been told that I can slide the tank back far enough to make it work but I am not quite to that point yet.