What would it take to put a '33-'34 rear end in a '32 Ford? I know driveshaft length is different as is the torque tube flange at the banjo. Could one use the '32 driveshaft and shorten the '33-'34 tube or put the '33-'34 flange on the '32 tube? Thanks, Dave
Why? What are you trying to accomplish? Do you know about the late '32 rear end that uses a lot of the '33-'34 parts? Charlie Stephens
If you are talking late 32 versus 33-34, the only differences are the length of the driveshaft and torquetube. If you are trying to splice parts of later rears onto a 4-cylinder rear you are creating a monster. Don't waste your time. There are plenty of late 32 driveshafts and torquetubes out there if you are scared to cut up your 34 parts. Tell us what you have in hand. Or better yet, show us pics.
Why? Because I just acquired a '32 Ford Pickup with a '33-'34 rear end in it. No engine or trans. I was hoping I could turn it into basically a late '32 style axle. I am aware of the late '32 vs the early '32 axle and the late '32 being basically like the '33-'34 but shorter driveshaft on the '32. So, is what I'm asking not doable? Dave
If you already have a 34 rear it's really easy for a guy with a lathe to cut the parts so they can be welded up shorter. No mix matching needed, all you need is shorter length. How do you know it's a 34 rear in the truck? It sticks too far forward to bolt up a trans?
Yes, it definitely sticks too far forward. The fella I got it from has three '32 Fords, all hot rods. A 3 window, a fenderless roadster and a Tudor Sedan. He is knowledgeable about '32's. He decided it was too late in life to continue putting this one together. It also has an early dropped and filled '32 front axle (yes heavy, cuz there are those that will question) with Lincoln brakes and Buick finned drums that is going under my '32 4dr Sedan. My stock one will go back under the pickup. He said he thinks it is old enough and where it came from that it may be an early Dago. Interestingly it has a '33-'34 wishbone on it that will have to be changed and no, it doesn't fit the frame. I think both front and rear may have been under a '33 or '34. It has a very nice V/8 frame that a local chassis guru redid frame horns, straightened etc. I believe it is an early '32 but I cant see if it has the reinforcement plates in the rear where it is sitting right now. It has an odd to me clutch pivot bosses on the trans K member. Makes me think it's early because of that too. Cab is not original to the frame but it is early as it does not have the bead across the front of the roof. Firewall was from a 4cyl. Unknown if it was original to the cab, I don't think so. I will bring it all home Monday. I was actually thinking of keeping the '33-'34 rear for my '32 4dr. How much stronger are they than an early '32? Worth the effort for a mild flathead? Dave
I doubt you would break a 4-cylinder rearend, but it has happened. Do you have a lead foot? Maybe you'd break the V8 style rear too? I'd do the conversion if it was mine. My 32 sedan has a 34 rear that was shortened to fit. It also has a ring and pinion from a 48 rearend in it to get the 3.78 ratio. The gear conversion is more complex and I'm not savvy on all the details.
Yes I can have a heavy foot at times but not in my prehistoric hot rods. My '29 Sedan (avator) with flathead and '39 trans has a stock 3.78 Model A rear and it has been in there since the original builder did it in 1958. Nice thing about the early '32 is the stock model A 3.78's will fit it or aftermarket 3.54 or taller. I've never broken any banjo rear ends but I have sheared a few axle keys and broken transmissions back in high school days! Dave
If its the 33-34 V8 rear shorten(DS and TT) it 8 9/16" and it will now fit in the '32. The 33-34 4cyl rear is shorter (TT & DS) than the V8.
if it were for me, since you have to shorten the tube and shaft anyway, i would shorten them to fit a 35 to 40 rear for the bigger pinion bearings and slightly wider track
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