Flathead torque rods

[41Joe]

Hello everybody,
I am not sure what the parts are called, but they are rods that attach at the rear of the block and run along the side of the block to the front cross member. I believe they transferred the torque from the closed drive shaft directly to the front cross member instead of thru the water pumps. I am looking for a set and not sure what to call them or where to get them. Sorry, I can't find any pictures online of what I am talking about.

[Phil Gillespie]

Could be you are refering to the chatter rods? if you post more info include your cars year and model so people may assist you.
Phil NZ

[41Joe]

Thank you!
That is exactly what I was looking for.
I have a 1941 Ford Tudor.
Are they important to have? What exactly do they do and eliminate?
My car doesn't have them, I got to find a set. They were cut off by the PO. I don't know why he didn't just unbolt it.

[FlatheadTed]

Because the Motor trans and rear move as one unit when you release the clutch because they are rubber mounted ,you need something to tie them to the chassis otherwise you will get a jumpy clutch Ted

[48 coupe]

If the mtr. mounts and clutch are in good shape you won't need them.

[40 Deluxe]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

But Henry put them on at the factory and he didn't spend a nickel more than necessary.

[Bluebell]

Joe , you need to find the right ones for your car. I have 3 different types here.

[48 coupe]

What years had them? I didn't think the late 46 to 48 had them ,Is that so If so What changed.?

[19Fordy]

41Joe:There were aftermarket anti-chatter rods that look like the one in the photo. Plus you could also make your own. The "hooked end" attaches to the rear part of the "x" member. The other end bolts to the bellhousing. Here's more info. http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...i+chatter+rods
Also, type the words "anti chatter rods" into the Fordbarn search box and lots more info. will appear.

[AnthonyG]

Running a '35 with rods detached and fixed against chassis with SS bands so no rattles, can attach later in case I want to. Have aftermarket adapters as I run a perf 8ba 200 hp and have detachable bell housing and will need the adapters if I decide to use. I am an aggressive driver and no chatter issues yet. 2000 miles on fresh clutch, PP, FW and thrust bearing.

[Kurt in NJ]

When the trans has a lever for the clutch pushing the pedal trys to move the engine-trans ---the rods are for preventing engine movement

then the clutch linkage was changed to just rotational movement between the pedal--trans the stay rods were no longer needed because pushing the clutch had almost no influence in moving the engine in the frame

[deuce_roadster]

I believe Ford called them 'Engine stay rods' and were to prevent the engine from being pushed forward when the pinion starts turning. Somewhere along the line they started being called 'chatter rods or anti chatter rods' by the masses (us).

[Tim Brown]

How about when you slam on the brakes in a panic stop? Do you think those rods also help the engine and trans from wanting to keep moving forward or backwards. You have the whole rear end, rear tires, torque tube etc depending on something to keep it all in the same place. Just thinking out loud...

[41Joe]

I definitely need them. Like others have said, Ford designed them that way for a purpose. I had heard that when you converted to an open drive shaft they were no longer necessary.
Bluebell, all I know is I have a 1941 Ford Tudor. Stock motor. If you have a pair that you would like to sell, PM me. I am not sure what shipping to the States will be like from New Zealand.
Thank you everyone for all the info.

[Drbrown]

OE or not, my '47 doesn't have them. Engine and tranny mounts are kept in good condition and I have no problems.

[scooder]

My understanding is as Kurt in NJ. It's to do with clutch operation.
Before the rotational type clutch operating system, when you push the clutch pedal the engine moves forward (tries to) them the clutch bites and the engine moves a bit more which intern slightly un loads the clutch, so engine moves back a bit, which then loads the clutch a bit, so the engine tries to move forward again............. All of this has the clutch pedal in the same place. This constant moving is judder. With real good mounts it is slight, old mounts it shakes the car too bits. The torque rods/chatter rods whatever you want to call them stops this ad the engine can't move back and forwards.
Rotationl clutch mechanism doesn't need this to and fro support, as the pedal doesn't push the engine forward.
This is why it was left off the later stuff (47-48)
It depends on the clutch operating mechanism used.
Martin.

[FlatheadTed]

I think 47 & 48 has them running forward to the front cross member .Also on toque tube drive cars accelerating and braking has a considerable influence on the drive train wanting to move independent of the body when they are rubber mounted .You see this on Model As when they add rubber Floater motor mounts the drive train moves independent of the chassis on braking ,and in some cases can work the gas and the engine revs up . Ted

[JWL]

The rear mount on transmission was altered by Ford to eliminate the need for rods on the cars after 1941 and some of the 1941 models.

[Chris]

1941 was the last year for "chatter rods". I have a pair of nice original 41's if you need them. 1941 was also the only year that went from the bellhousing FORWARD to the front crossmember, 1932-1940 went from the bellhousing backwards to the X member (or K member in 32)