Iv never delt with model A axles before, so id like to gather as much info as i can regarding mounts, angles, and more specifically, front brakes. Speedway makes a decent disk brake kit, but its for 37 ford spindles. Whats the difference? Id like to learn as much as i can about setting one up so i dont end up having to do it over. ~ Marty
So does 48 ford spindles Also you need radius rods same era 2 and 1/4 . 32 fords are 2 inch IM not sure about 34 . In the speedway catalog They will tell you how to measure for spring /I think that's all you need to know for buying parts. Also remember the magic number of 7 After you get the parts you need post how to set up front end.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that Model A and later use the same bearings; which would mean that that most of the spindle is at best similar. The later drums can be used on the Model A spindle. To put later backing plates on the Model A spindle you need the line up rings or spacers, so the backing plates are centered to the drum. The only other thing that I can think of is the Model A spindles have provisions for mechanical brakes. The later brake kits might not bolt to the Model A spindle.
No,your spindles have a different bolt pattern (smaller) than the later spindles,you can make adapters out of 3/8" plate,thats what I ended up doing on my 36 ford.
In other words, the actual spindle (stub axle) is the same (AFAIK), but the mounting for the brake backing plate differs. Early ones are round, later ones are squarish. By the way, and at the risk of hijacking the thread, can anyone give me some measurements of the spindle length, i.e. the inner bearing seating length, the length of the tapering bit, the outer bearing seating length, and the thread length? I'm trying to figure out how to run MGB knock-off hubs on early Ford spindles.
I don't have access to actually use Pro/E at my current workplace. I do most of my work here out in the parking lot with sidewalk chalk. It is a .prt file if you can still use it.
I just put gm rotors & calipers on a model "A" axle and used the "A" spindles. I made my own bearing adapters and modified some weld on caliper mounts. If you have a lathe, bandsaw & drill press it can be done. I have the numbers for the bearings & seals. I can take some photos tomorrow if your interested. I also have dimensions of the bearing adapters that I made. Bob
O.K. Here goes. Rotor from a 75 malibu Caliper from a 80 Monte Carlo Weld on style caliper bracket - speedway 916-41009 - cut about 1" off the "bracket axle ears" & drill holes to match spindle holes - make or buy washers to go between back of spindle & bracket - they will need to fit into the spot face holes. wheel bearing set #2 outer wheel bearing set #13 inner ( be sure to change the cup - they are not the same as the rotor) make a spacer for the bearing - see the drawing after mounting the rotor you need to drill a new cotter pin hole & maybe trim 1/4" off the end so the grease cap will fit. This gives you a 5X4-3/4" bolt pattern. If you want a small ford pattern there is a volare rotor that is supposed to work. Being a FNG I'm having trouble posting photos & drawing - I'll try to post them later. otherwise p.m. me. Bob
Disclaimer - try this at your own risk. I'm using it on a light car with skinny tires. Items I invent and build may self destruct without warning. Then again I have seen a broken anvil. Don't try this at home. Its all fun till somebody pokes a eye out. If you try to sue me you will only piss off your lawyer.
If you do use the A spindles, you need to know that not all kingpins are created equal. I just rebuilt my A front end and swapped in '40 juicers, but kept the A spindles. I used '40 kingpins (Speedway Standard Kingpin set 910-32121) because they were cheaper and I no longer needed the Model A brake linkage. I ran into some trouble with the new pins. '40 spindles are wide enough top to bottom to get the bearing under the axle. Model A spindles don't have room for the bearing and leave it on top of the spindle, under the head of the kingpin. When using '40 kingpins with A spindles, you will need to re-knotch the kingpins where the lock pins engage them. The '40 knotches will be around 1/2 in. too high (the thichness of the bearing give or take the amount of wear on top of your spindles.) It is critical that these be machined in just the right place so that the weight of the axle hangs on the bearing. Luke
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