A Possible T Purchase and a Rear End Question

[Marshall V. Daut]

Depending upon price, don't let the thrust washer issue be a deciding factor whether you buy this car or not. Important as those thrust washers are, it's not a show-stopper to replace them. Yes, the rear end has to come out and be disassembled (including removing the rear spring), but anyone with basic tools and a common mechanical horse sense can do the job. Just purchase the MTFCA rear end booklet and/or the video tapes showing how to overhaul a Model T rear end. The Ford service manual will also be helpful. The parts expense is negligible - two brass washers and new housing gaskets. This is probably a two-day/weekend job, but it is SOOOOOOOO important that any Babbitt thrust washers be replaced. When the old Babbitt thrust washers disintegrate and break apart, you no longer have any brakes! The ring gear and pinion gear teeth could also be damaged.
If you are seriously considering buying this highly desirable year Model T, just plan on adding another couple of hundred dollars to the price tag for parts and possibly hiring someone to do this if you don't feel competent to do the job yourself.
Marshall