How to identify '33,'34,'35,'36 Ford front axles

I know all '33-'36 Ford p***enger car axles are basically the same...my question is, Is there a definitive way to tell exactly what year one of these axles came from if you're standing there looking at only the bare axle?

 

No difference. (now watch somebody show a way)

 

As far as I know they are all the same. Recently I saw a post on the Ford Barn where someone said that 33 is very slightly different than the others, it having abit different profile at the whishbone mount area. I searched my stash of several axles and couldn't see a difference.

 

NealinCA did a great post on ford axles a couple years ago with pics and descriptions, it came up the other day.

Sorry that was dropped axles
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=212055

 

that link ain't what you think it is

 

Yep easiest way to tell the difference is to take the axle off of a virgin Ford and pay attention to the year of the car.

Sorry bud I just couldn't resist. my understanding is the same as Alchemy's here, so no help from the skinny kid.

 

http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=131892&highlight=axles

Here is the correct one.

 

I was sorta hopin' that maybe they were cast with a part number...kinda like a 1934 spindle LOOKS like a 1932 spindle, but has a part number that starts with 40-...as in Model 40, cast into it.

The main reason I'm asking is I have a 33-36 axle I'll be selling and I wanted to give an accurate description.

 

Ford axles, as well as all others, are forged not cast.

 

ok mister smarty pants...you knew what I meant.

 

I knew 32-34 front spring perches had a B- or 40- part number, but I have never seen a part number on spindles...

Neal

 

I meant that the 40- distinguished it from a B spindle, but yes you are correct, there isn't an actual part number on the spindles other than the 40.

 

I had never seen the "40" on a spindle, where is it? I will have to look at my stash. The only difference I knew of was 32 and 33 used 1/8npt grease fittings and 34 used 1/4-28 fittings.

 

I can't remember offhand what area on the spindle had the 40, and I've since sold all of my spindles, but I do remember seeing it...it might have been on one of the arms.

 

Ok, I will take a closer look. Thanks.

 

You guys sound like a coupla old restorers.

 

Axles the same 2" boss, if the axles are complete ***emblies the next validation is spring location and perch pins. 33-34 spring on top of axle, 35-36 spring in front of axle. The spindles and the radius rod construction next definer, 33-36 spindles are different , 32-34 same steer of lf , 35,different from 36 steer off rf, 36 has shorter snout. Radius rods different 33/34 no spring hanger, 35/36 has spring hanger.

 

I resemble that remark.

 

Thanks ****. I'm trying to determine what year a bare axle is without any other suspension pieces to identify by.

 

you know...the more I think about it, maybe it was a spring perch and not the spindle that had the 40...doesn't matter...I'm realizing from this thread that there is no way to identify my axle, so I'm just going to sell it as a 1934 and be done with it.

 

Or maybe it was a service replacement for a 32...

 

hahaha

 

To do that you measure the axle wishbone boss and the king pin spacing, picture of spindles is 32-4 with the backing plate bolt holes drilled out to some odd size.

 

If the axle has some spring eye wear on the top, just inside the perch bolt holes, or some wear marks in the center from the u-bolts you can figure it was under a '33 or '34.

Other than that, I don't think there is a way to judge the year of an unworn bare axle.

Handled a lot of axles and have never came across one of the elusive and mysterious '33 "combo" axles described on the Ford Barn either. Was kinda hoping someone would post a better picture.

 

Thanks Rich.