Dilemma: Which front crossmember to use???

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

I am assembling a late October/early November 1928 (S#: 585***) chassis for 'Show & Go' and so I am at a pivotal crossroads where I can use either a 2nd type solid-type engine mount crossmember, --or the 3rd style crossmember with the yoke-type front engine mount.

Now here is the dilemma for me in that most people who know me know why I do not like a Float-a-Motor mounting system because I feel the engine mounts are what the entire driveline pushes on, ...and any movement of the engine/transmission affects steering and braking ability. Adding to that, this engine will be correctly balanced and have a counter-weighted crankshaft inside.

What I am trying to embrace is exactly why Ford changed from the 2nd type mount to the 3rd style. Was it really an improvement to eliminate vibration, --or was it a cost savings measure for him? It would seem there would be added expense with forging & machining the yoke however draw stamping a one-piece crossmember was not an easy feat either. For those who have ever experienced a totally original engine, --or one that has been properly balanced (or counterweighted) knows that the vibrations that many think is normal for a Model A are just not there when everything is 'right'. So do we have any theories as to the reason(s) why Henry made the front crossmember change?

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