Lowering model A

[Gerald cook]

Has anyone used a 1932-1936 front axel and reversed eye mono leaf spring on a car with mechanical brakes. And still have clearance? Any advice would be appreciated. Jerry

[Seth Swoboda]

Hamb

[Zax40]

HAMB is good. But we also have a thread that covers it here on Ford Barn
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12576

[rotorwrench]

The 32 models had the heavy axle but many were likely replaced with the 33 thru 36 types over the years. One thing to watch for is the perch boss dimension from top to bottom on the later axles. The model A is 2 1/4" top to bottom and the later ones are only two inches. A person would have to shim the bosses to fit a model A wishbone.

[Jim Brierley]

'32-'34 axles will fit right in the Model A. ALL later axles have the spring perches farther apart (wider).

[BIG KEV]

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I am going to be swapping my axle out with a 33 once I get the new kingpins setup in the new spindles.

I have the reverse eye already and 32 brakes. The key to keeping the mechanicals is the spring perch bolt from the 32, you need the taller mount for the cross shaft mounting with the drop axle.

[Chris Haynes]

That is exactly what I have in my car.

[Randy in ca]

Originally Posted by Jim Brierley

'32-'34 axles will fit right in the Model A. ALL later axles have the spring perches farther apart (wider).

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1935-36 axles are identical to the 1934 axle and dimensionally the same (as far as fitting) as the 1932 and 1933.

[Jim Brierley]

1935 was the first with the spring in front of the axle, and I believe had perch bolts farther apart than earlier cars.

[Tim Ayers]

'32 axle looks like it belongs on a Model A. If you want to get the rear down, swap to a Model T rear spring. You can reverse that main. If you want it the rear lower, use a '26-'27 T rear crossmember and T rear spring. It will lower it approx. 3"-4" inches.

I'm using a '32 axle reversed main and T spring and crossmember in the rear.

[Randy in ca]

Originally Posted by Jim Brierley

1935 was the first with the spring in front of the axle, and I believe had perch bolts farther apart than earlier cars.

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You are correct on the first part here - the wishbones and spring mount design changed in 1935, however the rest of your statement is again wrong, as the 1935 and 1936 axles are identical to those from 1934. There are numerous sites online where this can easily be confirmed.

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[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by Randy in ca

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You are correct on the first part here - the wishbones and spring mount design changed in 1935, however the rest of your statement is again wrong, as the 1935 and 1936 axles are identical to those from 1934. There are numerous sites online where this can easily be confirmed.

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Randy,

The info on the business card, I don't think all of that is correct. I think '33-'36 spring bosses were 2 1/4". I'll have to go measure

[Randy in ca]

Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

Randy,

The info on the business card, I don't think all of that is correct. I think '33-'36 spring bosses were 2 1/4". I'll have to go measure

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1932-36 are 2".

Model A and 1937 and up are 2-1/4". Using anything other than 32-36 wishbones with 32-36 axle requires the use of a spacer.

Like your car!!

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by Randy in ca

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1932-36 are 2".

Model A and 1937 and up are 2-1/4". Using anything other than 32-36 wishbones with 32-36 axle requires the use of a spacer.

Like your car!!

Thank you and thanks for the clarification. I knew about '32's being 2" and I guess I was wrong about the others. Speedway use to sell 1/8th washers that fit perfectly when spacers were needed. Not sure if they still do.

[Miles in MN]

I used a Fastenal steel spacer washer with an A wishbone and '36 axle; 0.250 thick; 0.636 ID /1.25 OD; PN33585. Price in 2018 was 2.49 each. I mounted mine between the bottom of the axle and the wishbone to maximize lowering.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by Miles in MN

I used a Fastenal steel spacer washer with an A wishbone and '36 axle; 0.250 thick; 0.636 ID /1.25 OD; PN33585. Price in 2018 was 2.49 each. I mounted mine between the bottom of the axle and the wishbone to maximize lowering.

Thank you for sharing the part number. I'm going to order some to have on hand

[Entlebucher]

Installed a 36 front axle in my 28 roadster, aftermarket reversed eye spring (multi leaves, pulled a few out), mechanical brakes, A whishbone. I also used a washer just like Miles. Works perfect for me