Stepdown Rear Axle in Earlier Car

Unknown

Does anyone know if a Stepdown rear axle center section (Hudson built axle, pre-Dana era) will fit into a 1940 housing? I would like to put the center section from an automatic stepdown into my 1940, if that is possible, using the 1940 housing and axles. Thanks, PZ

Unknown

I'm not sure about using just the ring and pinion (someone will undoubtedly answer your question) but I do know of people who have transferred the entire axle, differential and housing assembly to their 1937 Terraplane. The StepDown rear axle assembly is narrower, I believe, so it was necessary to put spacing blocks on the wheels to bring them out to the desired width.

Unknown

I'm pretty sure the bolt pattern is the same, and the axle drive splines, but the later unit is of course hypooid construction, therefore the drive shaft will be at a greater angle. The drive train sat at a distinct angle in the step-downs, which overcame this, so you will have to check that the drive shaft does not contact the cross member if fitting the hypoid diff. The u-joint coupling should be the same, but you will have to check the length of the pinion in relation to the housing.
Geoff, N.Z.