Technical Banjos

Anything significant stopping me using 32 bells on a later banjo centersection? Are they physically interchangable? The 32 rearend is an early round flange, if that makes a difference.

I have a pair and I like that the rearward perch offset/spacing off the axle centerline is SHORTER (around 6" perch boss centerline) than the later styles, which seem to be about 7 1/2".

Also, do 39 and newer backing plates bolt-on to these bells?

Flathead powered Model A/32 rails in process. Thanks
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Got my answers...Thanks

 

The axle length may be different, but I don't have the 32' length numbers handi

From the: 28-48 P***enger and 28-47 Commercial Ford Parts Manual (The Green Book)

Early Ford axles:
P***enger car 35-38, Pickup 35-38
48-4235 18-tooth gear 32.85" overall length

P***enger car 39-41, Pickup 39-41
81A-4235 16-tooth gear 32.85" overall length

P***enger car 42-48, Pickup 42-47
21A-4235 16-tooth gear 33.70" overall length.

Don't know about the backing plates right off. I'll measure the hydraulic backing plate bolt spacing for you later and send it to you.

 

I think the 32 rearend is based on a Model A, has different sized bells. also used different size ring and pinion. Brakes will bolt right on, same pattern from 28-48, have to notch the backing plate to mount on a Model A.

 

The axle shaft part no. for 32' is:

B4235, Shaft Rear Axle - overall lenght 32.09 - 24 teeth, P***, Comm. year: 28-32

I agree with Gomez, looks the same as Model A

 

Axle length is different. It won't work.

 

I am pretty sure that axle bells up to and including 34s carried the Model A bolt pattern-changing to the later pattern from 35 thru 48.I found this out when I tried fitting 36 bells to my A Model Halibrand Q.C.I always thought they were the same from 28 thru 48! Then I found a 201 Halibrand-problem solved!

 

I just mocked mine up with '35 bells, '38 axles and a '47 truck center. What I can tell you is that you'll need new axles since the '32 is narrower, make sure the new axles match the spider gears and the later banjos run a different size side bearing. Not 100% about the bell bolt pattern though.

 

Walk faster, ...I hear banjos!!!

 

This might help - I have to convert a later rear end to go in a '32 frame so made some notes comparing the major dimensions. These are precision tape-measure dimensions, so give or take a 32nd here and there, and feel free to confirm or correct anything.

For the original question, the diameter of the early V8 (scalloped pinion flange) bells is the same as the later ones, but a Model B (round oinion flange) is definitely smaller. Remember that the reason the spring perch brackets are shorter is that the spring is curved to clear the banjo. The perch isn't square to axle either.