Technical Model A Rear End Fail

Hey gents, I could use some expert help. The other day when the signal turned green, I went to take off and the engine just spun -- nothing was getting to the wheels. I pushed it to the side and was able to eventually push it home (without a tow, I'm glad to say.) I have a normal Model A pumpkin.

At first, I thought it was a clutch... it feels like that. However, the speedo is turning (and I can tell the drive shaft is spinning from the sound). I don't think it's the gears in the rear end, but could be. I'm wondering if the keyway has failed on one of the shafts. Then the power is just being sent to that shaft, so nothing goes to the pavement. Does that sound reasonable?

I haven't gotten to take everything apart, but will soon. I'm hoping I don't have to rebuild the rear end.

Any wise, sage advice would be appreciated.

-B

 

If you have someone look at the nut on the end of both axles when you engage the clutch; you will soon know if an axle key has sheared.

 

Rich beat me to it...

 

My brothers jeep had those same kind of keys and I towed that damned thing home a number of times because he had ripped one out.

 

Ok, cool guys. I'll check that out and let you know what I find. Thanks. -B

 

Sumpthin' broke between the engine and the rear wheels. i snapped a couple of axles back in the day, but usually if you do that the things will pull out as you roll it along. Take a bunch of pictures when you get it apart.

 

My guess is broken axle as noted above. Be careful moving the car around if you do not have safety hubs.

 

With Model A rear ends, the pinion is on a taper with a key. The pinion nut could have come loose, or sheared the key or both.

 

Edit:

N/M, was thinking of something else.

 

Well I finally got a chance to dig into this problem and it turns out I did sheer the key on one side. It cut right in half lengthwise. Crazy but cheap to fix!

Wow, my crazy 4-banger must be delivering some serious horse power! : )