Ford banjo

I would like some input regarding the interchange of parts of the Ford banjo rear end.

1) Will 35/36 axle bells fit a 40 rear end? The green book list the axles as the same length but with different tooth count. Later bells might be a better choice since they cover more years but adapting the 35/36 radius rods would be more difficult and I want to use 35/36 radius rods.

2) My plan is to use a 33/34 drive shaft and modify it to fit an original 32 frame with the 40 rear end, closed drive shaft.

3) what is the best spring to use in this project. I have used the straight spring before but had to grind a substantial relief to clear the original rear crossmember. Would a front spring be a better choice and if so, what year would be best choice? Or is changing the rear crossmember a better choice?

Jack

 

mine was a 6 string so i cant help out

 

On the torque tube, you may have the chamfer the inside of the torque tube where it meets the banjo as the bearings on the later ones are different. Also, check the oil drain-back holes.

I looked into putting a 33/34 torque-tube onto a '40 banjo for a project and this was what I was told by the guys at Hot Rod Works. A disclaimer - it's been a few years, so there may be some other issues, but those were the ones that stuck with me.