What are the pluses and minuses of swapping a 35 Ford axel under a Model a? Is it a straight forward swap or are there going to be problems? I'm putting a dropped axel under my 35 and was thinking about using the stock 35 axel in my 31 Model a. Sent from my iPad using H.A.M.B.
Otherwise stock Model A? You will get a slight drop with the 35 axle. The bosses on the 35 are 2", Model A is 2-1/4", so you will need some spacers. The width between spring perch is slightly different, I want to say about 1/2", but it will fit. What is your goal?
According to this https://m.roadkillcustoms.com/early-ford-beam-axle-identification-and-dimensions/ There is 1/8 inch difference between the Model A and the 32/36 axles This site gives slightly different measurements http://www.hotrodreference.com/902/early-ford-solid-front-axle-dimensions/ Then on Sid's site. you get slightly different yet. Looks like they all used different brand tape measures. https://www.droppedaxles.com/ford-dropped-axle Kind of like hand gernades and small bombs, in "that's close enough".
I did this swap about 10 years ago and used the 35 brakes up front as well. It was not to difficult at all. I needed to make a pair of fish plates to support the mechanical brake actuators from out of the top of the king pin, since as the axle height/drop was greater the actuators needed to be supported a different level. Not difficult just tale it slow and easy. Sorry, no actual pic's to offer other than the finished product.
I think the Model A axle has a one piece driveshaft, that is it is one with the pinion gear so you would need to do something with that.
Depends on what your plan is. If you’re looking to lower the car 2-3” and keep the mechanical brakes, it’s worth it to me. Add a reverse eye spring w/2 leaves removed, 32 perches and a T spring in the back. You’re good to go. If you have hydraulic brakes, I’d probably do something else. I used a 35 axle last year on this phaeton and bought another for the coupe I’m building this winter. I think it gives an early 40s stance or close enough for not a lot of dollars. I forgot, I also added 34 brakes to this one. The only thing I’m changing this time around is using 32 spindles instead of the stock model A. A little more room for bending the steering arm.
The goal is to lower the front a bit and get the larger brakes. I was going to swap the brakes anyway, so if I can get the front a little lower at the same time, might as well swap the axel. Sent from my iPad using H.A.M.B.
One reason is I've got a 35 axel and brakes already. I'm not opposed to a dropped Axel, just trying to use what I have. Sent from my iPad using H.A.M.B.
Once any axle is dropped the mechanical brake actuator shafts will no longer bolt onto the top of the perch bolts unless they are come originally matched to the axle. I don't recall the details now it has been so many years but it was the only issue that needed my attention at the time. The only other thing I would have liked to have found but could not source was a brake actuator kit that was being made I believe in CA where it was some how connected to the Model A main brake rod in the center of the chassis which acted like a booster for mechanical brakes, I feel this would have been advantageous.
Nice work 1stGrumpy, we only differ in a few parts, I used the 35 brakes and kept the Model A perches and radius rods.
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