AV8 banjo rear vs Ford 8" question?
 

I'm in early stages of buiding an AV8 pu ('50 Merc flathead) and the rear axle will show. I have a Ford 8" rear but it's pumpkin is off center - 9" way to heavy. What open drive banjo rear would fit the A pu and keep the wheels under the fenders? What spring would center the wheels fore & aft as well as bring fender down to tire height. Any tips on an AV8 build would be appreciated from those who have done it

Re: AV8 banjo rear vs Ford 8" question?
 

What tranny are you going to use ? You can convert the banjo to open drive, Posies makes springs to lower the stance. Keep it 'old school'...change to a higher gear ratio. Just some thoughts, things I did to my 41.

Re: AV8 banjo rear vs Ford 8" question?
 

Get the rear re-worked to take 8" axles and later brakes while keeping the closed driveshaft set up. Talk to the guys in Idaho.

Re: AV8 banjo rear vs Ford 8" question?
 

I'm hooking to a T5 5sp or Ford 3sp OD trans which require open drive shaft. Who are the guys in Idaho? I have 8" axles & back plates I could use on banjo.

Re: AV8 banjo rear vs Ford 8" question?
 

I'd stick with the Ford banjo rear end. I used a '39 rear with spring hangers welded to the top of the axle housings. Then you use a Model A spring and you're all set. Go to hotrodworks.com for an easy way to convert to open drive shaft. While you're in there check out the customers pictures, there's a nice shot of my av8 at Bonneville.

Also check out the av8 builders and owners group in the community section of fordbarn

Re: AV8 banjo rear vs Ford 8" question?
 

Like 36t-bird said, talk to Nick at Hotrodworks.com (in Idaho)
Jim

Re: AV8 banjo rear vs Ford 8" question?
 

I used a 35/36 banjo in my AV8/RPU porject. T rear spring, weld on perches (be careful here), new 3:54 gears set, all new bearings, new outer bearing races, shortened 33/34 torque tube and drive line, 46-48 radius rods, 40's Ford front shocks. I am very happy with how it all works together and it all looks like a factory set up.

Re: AV8 banjo rear vs Ford 8" question?
 

Although you can use an 8" out of a Maverick which is a good width for your A, a banjo would look much nicer under there when going down the road. Using the open drive conversion is a great way to do this and as far as the rear radius rods, just think like your splitting the front wishbone and keep them as close together as possible. I also used 36 rear radius rods and bells and welded in a truss across the top so the rear won't "roll" when you put the power to the rear, along with a panhard bar.

I've done this in my 32 project and I think it will work out just fine - you can just see the trusses on the 36 radius rods in the second pic, panhard bar in the first, and my shock mounts using the ends of the 36 rear radius rods. To mount the rods up front I used a T350 mount kit, flipped it around and cut it in half. I'm just about to get the car on th eroad and will give a full appraisal when that happens to all.

Good luck and keep us posted .... BTW, I am running a 5-speed as well ....