Will a 46 rear end fit into a 41 without modification??
 

Hello fells
I’m looking for some consultation from those in the know

My 1941 Ford car needs a rebuilt rearend
I can buy a 1946 rearend that seller states is in good working order.

Will a 46 rearend asm fit right into a 41 with out modification or changing of rear leaf springs etc? I do not want to modify my 41

Re: Will a 46 rear end fit into a 41 without modification??
 

Here is an article from the past:

Re: Will a 46 rear end fit into a 41 without modification??
 

As I recall the '41-48 rear axle assy's are pretty well the same and should swap out with very little difficulties. The rear brake assemblies are different in as much that the brakes are the same '39-41 and '42-48.. The gear ratio may be higher for the '46, which could be a good thing.

Re: Will a 46 rear end fit into a 41 without modification??
 

Thank you - according to article the 46 is too wide overall - Rats !

Well if anyone has 2 (really nice) 41 rear axle shafts - it will certainly help me in rebuilding my 41 rear axle

Re: Will a 46 rear end fit into a 41 without modification??
 

The 1941 is the last of the narrow rear axles. The wider axle came along for 1942 and continued through 1948. The later ones use a panhard bar too. The wider axle will bolt up but wheel spacing in the fender well might be problematic without changing the wheels for more backspacing. There is near an inch difference on both ends for a total of near 1 3/4 inches over all. Axle shafts are out there. You just need to use the correct tooth count when interchanging them from 1937 thru 1941. There were two different tooth counts between the end gear and the spider gears.

Re: Will a 46 rear end fit into a 41 without modification??
 

I answered your question on the V8 site, assuming that your axles were ok, and that only the center section needed replacing. Either way, you'd be very lucky indeed to find a complete assembly needing only your labor to swap it out, so inspect the center section of the '46 unit, but look elsewhere for usable axles if yours are bad.

Re: Will a 46 rear end fit into a 41 without modification??
 

I'll bet the '46 rear may work. The rear wheels on a '41 sit inboard a fair amount from the fenders. Measure from the inside lip of the rear fender to your tire and see what you get.

Re: Will a 46 rear end fit into a 41 without modification??
 

They seem to be the most common rearend that comes up for sale here in SoCal. They are quit a bit wider. Some of the hot rodders use them on their channeled cars so the rear tires don't rub on the fenders. They are usually only used on '46-'48 cars. Although now that I think about it my dad had a chopped full fendered '32 3-window Coupe with a '46 rearend and the rims and tires fit under the fenders real nice.

The neighbor bought a '40 Columbia off of eBay. When it came it had a '40 axle and housing on the Columbia side and a '46 on the other. It looked like it had been used that way? I was able to dig out '40 axle and housing out of my parts pile for him and we got it straightened out.

Re: Will a 46 rear end fit into a 41 without modification??
 

The '46 axle will fit with no problems.
About 3/4" wider per side. Drive shaft/ torque tube same length.

Re: Will a 46 rear end fit into a 41 without modification??
 

I have a 39 rear end out of my 39 378 gears and in excellent shape. I put in a Columbia real axle. If you are interested.

Re: Will a 46 rear end fit into a 41 without modification??
 

Old Redneck - I sent you a message

Your rearend seems like a good option but I think perhaps my 41 rear leafspring needs to be swapped to a 39/40 rear leafspring to fit between your axles spring hangers ?

Re: Will a 46 rear end fit into a 41 without modification??
 

Check the numbers on the bottom rib of the '46 axle. It may be a 3.54.i agree with 42 merc that it should fit your '41. It would be a quick fix for you if the price is right.

Re: Will a 46 rear end fit into a 41 without modification??
 

There is a 39 Ford rear available above that is same in every dimension as the 41 (except) the Spring Hanger dimension.

Anyone know if I just need to swap out my 41 leafspring for a 39 leafspring to use thev39 rearend asm in my 41? I assume the torque tubes are same (I hope!)

Re: Will a 46 rear end fit into a 41 without modification??
 

I don't think the torque tubes are the same. I believe the 41-48 torque tube is longer.

Re: Will a 46 rear end fit into a 41 without modification??
 

If anyone comes up with a '41 rear spring (or just the main leaf) let me know. I put a later rear into a car and there's no room for the Panhard bar.

Re: Will a 46 rear end fit into a 41 without modification??
 

You can buy a new 41 leafspring from Posie.

Re: Will a 46 rear end fit into a 41 without modification??
 

A good spring shop should be able to build you any spring you could want. I have all of mine custom built, not that expensive at all. The last main spring I have built was $20 and local so no shipping.

Re: Will a 46 rear end fit into a 41 without modification??
 

The added width of a '42-48, 1-3/4", is not a problem on a '36-41 Ford, there is plenty of fender clearance. The application will require a '46-48 rear spring.
I have a '48 Columbia under my '36, I installed it in 1955 using the original '36 center section with '37 stabilizer bars, a bolt together assembly.