Technical Model A front axle help

I have the original axle under my '30 Model A that is fairly straight. I bought an axle that I thought was a Model A with some drop. My axle is about 50 inches kingpin to kingpin and 36 inches spring eye to eye. The new (old) axle is about 50 1/2 Kingpin to kingpin and 41 inches spring eye to eye.

I guess it's not a Model A but will probably work. anybody got an idea what I have. gotta get a longer spring for sure.

 

Sounds like you've got a 46-48 axle.

'46-'48 Ford front axle specs:
50-3/4" Kingpin Center to Center (top)
41" Spring perch Center to Center
2-1/4 " Spring Perch Boss
2-1/4" Factory drop

 

Junkhunter, I think you're right. I did some more research and found the same thing. I think the axle will work but I'll have to get a longer spring. Thanks much.

 

That's a really wide spring perch distance. How tall is the height of the perch boss?

If it is 2.25", then that's a '42-'48 Ford axle and it probably also has holes in the axle for shock mounts.

If it is 2", its probably '33-36 and the spring perch distance is only 36 3/8".

Also, here's a link to an axle recco thread:
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=86706



edit: I gotta learn to type faster...

 

I think I've found it is a 46 ford axle. It has a 2.25 perch boss as does my 30 Model A that it's replacing. Thanks.

 

IF not spliting bone your good if you have the newer bones but model A's dont fit as they are.
,the model A bones if split with need to curve in to clear tire or you have lost some turing. I like the 48 axle,but even with its own split bones needs a dog leg.
Model A frame with 48 axle photo,note cross is custom and forword of stock

 

Dana,
I think you're right on the wishbones. I bought this axle and was told it was a Model A and would be an easy exchange. I don't think it's worth the trouble just for a couple of inches of drop. Thanks.

 

Dana,
After remeasuring and checking front tire movement, There seems to be no problem except needing a 5 inch longer front spring. Wheel turning radius is no problem at all. Please let me know if you see something I'm missing.

 

BTW, the old front perch parts have been removed.

 

Now that I've regrouped myself on what axle I have, I need a 34-36inch front spring that is 1 3/4 inches wide. Springs for the 46 Ford are 2 inches wide and won't fit my cross member. I'm determined to make this thing work. LOL

 

I build and design racecars for a living for 40+ years,yes some hotrods too.
YES,
There is a prob,those rims have wrong offset for good steering. If you look at how far away from the kingpin the tire is,contact tire patch with road is pretty far from a point going through the kingpin down to the ground=contact patch should at lest have kingpin drop line with in it some were,even if not in center,just a few in. matters. So what you may say?= things that happen with them that way,the lever action from the rim/spindel to kingpin is now long and adds to force going into tierod making any bump or braking from that tire feed back stronger into steering [ very strong part adding to deathwobble in some case] plus braking in a strait line is far harder with wrong offset rims. Another factor is when rim is were it should be,it comes in more and thats why you see my bones bent for clearing then in a turn.
There are those that get away with things be screwed up,but if ya know fix it.
A added note for some one reading this,the tire here are fine,but any bigger is also bad to do on hotrods,controling havey big tires on a strait axle front end is not just hard but on a lite rod can not be done well. Front good shocks are a big key to driving well,mounted as close to the outer ends of axle as you can,not inboard or back on the bones.

 

Dana,
The front wheels are just rollers that I had and are not the final product. I still feel there will be plenty of turning radius with the proper wheels on the front. I just have to find a 1 3/4 inch wide front spring that is 35 or so inches wide. Thanks and keep me posted if you think of other problems. I don't like surprises.

 

Hi,

Posies has a spring listed under the 28 - 34 section for super slides that shows the dimensions you noted above. I have a 46 dropped axle also and was thinking of using the 1025 spring with my axle if it fits my 31 roadsters frame. Thought it would based on the info I saw. Might be something to check out.

Gordon

 

or, a stock '32-'36 axle will lower your car 1 1/4" without any other changes!

 

Gordon, the Posie 1025 looks like it will work if it's 1 3/4 inches wide. Rusty thumb, I'm just trying to use the axle I have without selling and buying something else. I think it will work.

 

This one sounds to me to be the best option all round. $$

I'm using an old dropped (3") Model A axle, Ford A spring with reversed eyes and 5 leaves; '40 bones; '40 Ford wheels with skinny tires & 8deg caster; A frame - stock cross-member. Works great, turns tight both ways, no bad habits & rides real (hot rod) nice with shorty SoCal shocks and under-perch bolt shock mounts.

Worth trying the reverse eye spring and possibly longer shackle plates too for additional low-to-go.

 

Just trying to get the front lower on the cheap. LOL Actually, it's ok as it is but a little lower is better. I'm not stingy, I'm just po'.

 

The drop in that later axle isn't all that much, why not try a reverse eye spring with the axle you have mounted, maybe even pull a leaf or two and see where it ends up. Just a thought.

 

If anybody knows what the width of the Posies 1025 is I would love to know!

Gordon

 

Why not just have you existing front main leaf reversed and then flatten the whole spring pack.. Should be good for about a 3" drop and shouldn't cost much at all...

 

Jack, you have repeatedly said you want a different spring but most folks just get the correct axle

 

Yes sir, all I need is a spring

 

Your going to probably spend more to make a 30 dollar axle work than to simply get one that fits what you have ….. and end up w a morphodite setup

 

Maybe so. Do you know where I can get a 30.00 dropped axle?

 

I bought this axle and was told it was a Model A. The owner probably didn't know what it was, then maybe he did. Don't know. Anyway i have it. Anybody need it?

 

I have that same axle under my 30 pickup. The big problem is to find a 1 3/4 spring long enough. The good thing is it has a nice drop.

 

George, you're exactly right! A spring may cost me more than another axle though. I have a new spring already for the original Model A axle.

 

I like the idea my axle is not like every one else.

 

I paid $45 for a nice dropped axle at the Pate swap Meet in Texas

 

Well, I decided to sell the axle and keep looking. Thanks for the advice. It'll work for me!