1934 V8 - vs - 1934 4 cyl measurements

[steve hackel]

Can someone tell me positively whether there is a difference in the length of the V8 torque tube and the 4 cylinder torque tubes / drive shafts? I know the transmissions will not interchange, but I do not know if the engines are the same length. I am looking at a V8 coupe and I am not a fan of V8s nor do I know the first thing about them - I am a devoted 4 banger guy and would probably just pull the V8 & trans and then sell it complete to some deserving
person and install my 4 banger engine.

If there are other mechanical or physical issues with this swap, I would really appreciate any pointers for this. I know the radiators are different and probably the motor mounts too, but this would be a first for me and I do not want to make any costly mistakes. Thanks, in advance, Steve

[Kurt in NJ]

they have different part # in parts book ---

[deuce_roadster]

TT and driveshaft is different length. Not sure of exact measurement but is between 3 and 4 inches I think. This question was on this forum recently also, try a search.

[mercman from oz]

For 1933-1934 Fords, regardless of what engine they had, 4 or V8, they were both built on exactly the same chassis & wheelbase. The difference in length is only in the Drive Shafts, to accommodate for the longer 4 cylinder engines.
The length of the Drive shaft in the V-8 = 60 5/32” while the Drive shaft in the 4 cylinder = 58 7/16”
It follows that the Tube on the 4 cylinder was shorter by same amount.
The reason why the 1932 Fords didn't have different length Torque Tubes for the 4 cylinder models was that there was room between the engine and the radiator in the 1932 models as the radiator sat upright, however, with the more stylish angled radiator on the 1933/1934 Fords, the engine had to be set back so that the fan didn't hit the radiator.

[1934]

Here's what happens when a creative "restorer" swaps a 4 cyl. for a V8 and doesn't bother to put the longer TT and drive shaft in!

[Bored&Stroked]

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Hmmmmmm? So if the frames are the same, then the transmission mounted in the same spot. I believe the B/C transmission cases were the same length. So in my funny way of thinking, unless the transmission mount was somehow different (different front to back offsets for the frame bolts), then everything would have to be the same? Now, that is just me pondering . . . anybody know anything on the transmissions and trans mounts for the B/C cars?

[DavidG]

The '33-'34 transmission mount is reversible with notches on both sides of the rubber portion for the heads of the special bolts that capture the cup on the end of the torque tube. It is used in the rearmost position for the fours and forward most position for the V-8s (the mounting ears on the outside of the mount are offset).

The rocket scientists who make one of the reproduction mounts evidently thought that can't be right (like some revisionists, they didn't think Ford knew what it was doing) so they rotated one set of the notches 90 degrees thereby rendering the mount totally useless for four-cylinder applications.

[Bored&Stroked]

Thanks David - I knew there had to be something going on in the transmission area for there to possibly be different TT and driveshaft lengths . . . now I know what it is!

[steve hackel]

Thanks for the information & measurements. If the only difference is in the torque tube and the drive shaft length, is the remaining rear end (center, R&P, carriers etc) the same? If so, just a mechanical part for part swap would solve this problem.
So all I would need to locate would be a 34 drive shaft & torque tube for a 4 cyl. engine?
Does anyone happen to have those 2 particular animals lying around ? Thanks, Steve

[Charlie Stephens]

Steve,

If it was me I would learn to like the V8. If you keep the V8 it will be more valuable when you sell it. If you plan to install a ’32 4 cylinder remember:

The Water pump is different (’33/’34 is shorter)
The Crankshaft pulley is different (’33/’34 is shorter)
The Timing gear cover is different (’33-’34 mounts the generator further back)
The Motor mount (’33-’34 is wider)
The Exhaust system needs to be fabricated
The Radiator is different(or have your V8 radiator modified)
The Radiator support rods may be different (check this, they may be different 4 to 8, they were in ’32)
The Engine steady rods may be different (I assume they were different 4 to 8 but check)
Hubcaps
Starter (if your existing ’32 starter is designed to be used with a pull cable)
Transmission (if the V8 gears are good you can put them into a 4 cyl case)
Flywheel housing (’32 and ’33/34 are different)
Choke (my guess is that the 4 cylinder uses a cable like the ’32)
Accelerator linkage (different 4 to 8)
Engine splash pans
You need to relocate gas line from right to left side)
Torque tube and drive shaft (or complete rear end) are different length
You need to accept the fact that your serial number starts with “18” which means V8
Exhaust manifold (the A might work with longer exhaust pipe but that is a guess)

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Charlie Stephens

[Mart]

I'm speechless - I can't imagine why you would want to do what you are proposing.

Mart.

[Bob C]

Originally Posted by Mart

I'm speechless - I can't imagine why you would want to do what you are proposing.

Mart.

X2
Unbelievable

[DavidG]

Why not? It's his car. To each his own.

Steve,

Your assumption is correct. The only two components that differentiate the four and V-8 axle assemblies are the torque tube and driveshaft. If you need any unique-to-'33-'34 fours parts, I've a few spares, including perhaps a NOS torque tube.

[steve hackel]

Hey guys - if at this point in my life I am serious enough to "BUY" a car instead of "BUILDING" a car, I really don't care what the future value of it might be, once I am gone: I can't take it with me and the family will just clean out one of the garage stalls to make room for their Kia or what ever they might own at that point. I don't care about a Chevy small block - been there, done that - flat head V8s are sort of neat, but those take lots of money to build, lots of time waiting in line for the next available spot on the build roster, while its being built I can't enjoy the car, and I already own a HOT built 4 banger that would fit nicely into this thing. I can live with the down time to change things around and there is someone out there that needs a done 34 V8 & trans..... right ???????? It's not like I am chopping it, channeling it, making it fenderless, and installing a Heidts front end....... would you be just as critical if I found a 59A engine and installed that too - it wouldn't be original and it certainly might hurt the supposed future value - just thinking out loud.

[mercman from oz]

Here is a picture of the rear gearbox Mount fitted to a 1933 Ford Four Cylinder Gearbox. Notice that the "ears" are positioned forward. The same Mount is used on the V8 Gearbox, but is turned around, so that the "ears" are positioned backwards. Same Mount, but is reversed to suit the application.

[leakers]

This might save you some time, I was pretty interested but family stuff has got in the way and I have had to put my USA trip off.

http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...highlight=1934

[vulture]

Well if you look at the HP and torque of both the V8 and banger not much difference . Plus with a warmed up 4 cylinder you right there.
Steve your going to need a radiator , I have a NOS from my pheaton and will check on a torque tube but a 50/50 on that. I think I cut that one up.

[mercman from oz]

Compare this picture with my Post 15. You will notice that the "ears" are facing towards the rear on this V8 equipped gearbox, while they are facing the front on the 4 cylinder models. That is how the different length Tailshafts are accounted for between the 4 and the 8.

[Bored&Stroked]

This is just one of the reasons I love the Barn - I would not have guessed in a million years that Henry made the trans mount to "flip over" to use on one power-plant versus another. He has some smart Engineers . . . and I'm sure they completely understood the value of saving a nickle anywhere and everywhere they could on the cars they designed.

Thanks for the education!
B&S

[Bored&Stroked]

Hey Steve . . . I think you have a great set of plans to build the car the way you want and enjoy it! Heck, maybe I'll meet you some day and feel what it is like to drive a hot banger equipped Early Ford - would be cool. Best of luck finding the right car and keep after it!

D