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Discussion Topic:
front axle identification/width
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Bud 32B |
06-14-2010 @ 1:16 PM
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Member
Posts: 15
Joined: Dec 2009
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Helping a friend sort out a 38 coupe prioject car that appears to have a 42-48 front axle assembly under it. It has the sway bar and stablizer/panhard attached to the axle assembly but has never been mounted to frame-just hanging there. It also has hydraulic brake hubs. It looks like someone took a later model front axle and springs and attached the assembly only at the spring to crossmember. Question-are the 42-48 axles wider than the correct 38 axle? Does anyone have measurements ? Are the springs(number of leaves etc.)different?
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supereal |
06-14-2010 @ 2:13 PM
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Senior
Posts: 6819
Joined: Oct 2009
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The axles are interchangeable, but the spring perches are different. The 38 axle will have a "78" stamped or cast on it somewhere. The later, 42-48 axle, will have 51A. The '38 had 12 spring leaves, the later had 11. In all likelihood, someone was trying to convert the car to hydraulic brakes by swapping axles instead of backing plates and brake assemblies. This would have included trading the wide bolt pattern hubs and wheels for the later, 5 1/2 inch bolt circle model. The nominal length for the early axle is 47 inches, the later, 48 1/2. If you plan to convert to hydraulic brakes, obtain a copy of the Chassis Engineering catalog by calling 319/643-2645. They have all things you will need, from the axle on up.
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trjford8 |
06-14-2010 @ 6:40 PM
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Senior
Posts: 4214
Joined: Oct 2009
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Bud. the 37-41 axles are the same width and will work with the 38 wishbone. The 42-48 axles are not only a little wider, but the spacing for the wishbone is different than the 38. The 42-48 axle will fit in the 38, but you may have to make some modification to the back of wishbone to get it to mate up to the 38 frame.
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