The Ford Barn

Fairlane500 · 08-16-2011, 03:12 AM

Can any one tell me if 46-48 rear radius rods are compatible with 1939 ford axle? Thanks

PeteVS · 08-16-2011, 06:15 AM

The point where they bolt to the ends of the axle housings and backing plates are the same. But, due to the fact that the '39 axle housings are shorter, the back ends of the radius rods will have to be heated and bent slightly outwards so that the front ends will come to the proper point where they bolt to the torque tube. Once that is taken care of, the front ends will have to be heated and bent so the bolt hole will be at right angles to the torque tube. Once all of this is done, the lug on the torque tube that the radius rods bolt to will have to be repositioned. Been there, done that.

blucar · 08-16-2011, 11:23 AM

The attachment of the '37-39 radius bars is very simple, that is unless you want to make a big deal out of the process.
As already stated, the bars will bolt right up to the '42-48 axle assemblies. The attachment to the torque tube is very easy if you use a 3/4" spacer (a nut) between the bar and the lug on the torque tube. Of course a longer bolt is required and the spacer nuts have to be large enough for the bolt to pass through with no restriction.
My conversion was the use of a '42-48 Columbia with a late '36 center section and drive line. I used '37-38 radius bars,'39 drums and wheels ... A bolt together application..

PeteVS · 08-16-2011, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blucar

The attachment of the '37-39 radius bars is very simple, that is unless you want to make a big deal out of the process.

Think you got it backwards- He's talking about using LATER radius rods on an EARLIER rear.

blucar · 08-17-2011, 11:48 AM

Hmmmm? Once I that I was wrong, but I was mistaken..
You are right,, the question was about the shorter '42-48 bars in lieu of my interpretation of the longer '37-39 bars..

Uncle Bob · 08-19-2011, 08:34 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Just to give you a reference, the '42-8 measure a nominal 49", the earlier are nominal 66 1/2"

08-16-2011, 03:12 AM	#1
Fairlane500 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Posts: 250	Radius rods Can any one tell me if 46-48 rear radius rods are compatible with 1939 ford axle? Thanks __________________ Life is not a dress rehearsal...

08-16-2011, 06:15 AM	#2
PeteVS Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: FP, NJ Posts: 2,770	Re: Radius rods The point where they bolt to the ends of the axle housings and backing plates are the same. But, due to the fact that the '39 axle housings are shorter, the back ends of the radius rods will have to be heated and bent slightly outwards so that the front ends will come to the proper point where they bolt to the torque tube. Once that is taken care of, the front ends will have to be heated and bent so the bolt hole will be at right angles to the torque tube. Once all of this is done, the lug on the torque tube that the radius rods bolt to will have to be repositioned. Been there, done that. __________________ Don't never get rid of nuthin!

08-16-2011, 11:23 AM	#3
blucar Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Ventura, CA Posts: 2,464	Re: Radius rods The attachment of the '37-39 radius bars is very simple, that is unless you want to make a big deal out of the process. As already stated, the bars will bolt right up to the '42-48 axle assemblies. The attachment to the torque tube is very easy if you use a 3/4" spacer (a nut) between the bar and the lug on the torque tube. Of course a longer bolt is required and the spacer nuts have to be large enough for the bolt to pass through with no restriction. My conversion was the use of a '42-48 Columbia with a late '36 center section and drive line. I used '37-38 radius bars,'39 drums and wheels ... A bolt together application.. __________________ Bill.... 36 5 win cpe

08-17-2011, 11:48 AM	#5
blucar Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Ventura, CA Posts: 2,464	Re: Radius rods Hmmmm? Once I that I was wrong, but I was mistaken.. You are right,, the question was about the shorter '42-48 bars in lieu of my interpretation of the longer '37-39 bars.. __________________ Bill.... 36 5 win cpe

08-19-2011, 08:34 AM	#6
Uncle Bob Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Salado, TX. Posts: 733	Re: Radius rods Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Just to give you a reference, the '42-8 measure a nominal 49", the earlier are nominal 66 1/2" __________________ Luck occurs when preparation and opportunity converge.