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drolston · 09-09-2017, 03:38 PM

Pulled the rear end on the '41 coupe (early model year version) to swap out 3.78 gears for 3.25. Love it on the Interstate; final verdict depends on whether or not 284" flathead can get over Afton Mountain at 50 mph in high gear.

Also put Bendix brakes on the front. Took the opportunity to replace all four shock links (dog bones), as several were loose. I put 4" all around. Mac's show 4" for the front, and I subsequently discovered that Mac's lists 4.75" for front and rear on a '41. The car had 4" on front and 4 3/4" on rear, but I am not sure they were original. Am I risking damage to the Houdaile shocks if I go over something that causes the rear axel to go full extended? That is, is it possible that using a dog bone 3/4" shorter than stock would allow the rotor on the shaft to hit the reacting block inside the top of the housing?

09-09-2017, 03:38 PM	#1
drolston Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Williamsburg, VA Posts: 1,627	'41 Shock Links Pulled the rear end on the '41 coupe (early model year version) to swap out 3.78 gears for 3.25. Love it on the Interstate; final verdict depends on whether or not 284" flathead can get over Afton Mountain at 50 mph in high gear. Also put Bendix brakes on the front. Took the opportunity to replace all four shock links (dog bones), as several were loose. I put 4" all around. Mac's show 4" for the front, and I subsequently discovered that Mac's lists 4.75" for front and rear on a '41. The car had 4" on front and 4 3/4" on rear, but I am not sure they were original. Am I risking damage to the Houdaile shocks if I go over something that causes the rear axel to go full extended? That is, is it possible that using a dog bone 3/4" shorter than stock would allow the rotor on the shaft to hit the reacting block inside the top of the housing?