Updating pre-'36 front axles

terraplane8

Has anyone heard of whether it is possible to replace the front axle on '32-'35 cars with the radius-rod front axle and springs of the '36 on cars? Was this ever a period modification? This would allow an hydraulic brake update as well.



The reason being that the later cars do steer and stop a lot better based on driving of my two cars, a '33 T8 and a '36T. With the later axle being positively located it is much more confidence inspiring with no bad manners such as following of road contour and general unpredictability, and it also is incomparably better under brakes, with tyre squealing power and no front-end dive or cable brake uncertainties. In fact the '36T is a very very nice handling car allround, due in large part to the front axle design and the hydraulic brakes IMO.



Sure it's not totally "original" if done, but I want to enjoy driving the car safely at a decent pace which means it must have excellent handling and braking as well as power which it does have an absolute abundance of. As it is, the car's power is some way ahead of the brakes and handling.

Geoff

I won't say it can't be done, but it would be with great difficulty. The '36 is completely re-designed car, and none of the components concerned with steering are directly interchangeable with a '33 model. You would have to fabricate the mounting structure for the radius rod, fit an extra shackle at the rear, mount a master cylinder, run brake lines, etc. etc. You would also have to convert the back brakes to hydraulic otherwise the balance between front and back would be seriously altered. Better methinks to consult with a brake specialist and get the shoes relined with a modern soft lining, pay particular attention to brakes adjustments, wheel alignment specs, steering box adustmernts, tie-rod and drag link joints etc., and make the most of what you have. However, let's hear what others have to say.

Geoff.

Jon B

I would defer to Geoff's remarks. However, if you decide to go ahead, I modestly suggest you move up to a 1937 front axle, and steering box. You will then get not only better steering, but you can adapt a 1939 sway bar to your axle, thus getting even better handling. However, I have no idea whether all this stuff can be fitted onto a pre-1936 without a lot of welding and problems!

Unknown

Most amusing. I have posted on here before what fits, but here goes again. The front brakes off any year Hudson or Terraplane fit on your 33 spindles, you use the 33 outer bearing in the later hubs. Any year rear will fit as well, just move the spring pads. Trouble is diff. bolt pattern. You can use 38 112 brakes as they are 9" as is the Terp. 8, but the 33 drums rub , so you have to space them out 1/4 " which sucks. Better to make a spacer between the drum and the hub, rerivet them and turn so the are round again. Use a 36 master cyl. bracket, turn the brake rod towards the front and it fits right in. My 33 Terp 8 has had hydualic brakes since bout 1940. As far as handling forget it. With all that weight on the front end. That thing will push terrible even with tube gas shocks and radial tyres and a tight front end. Its called weight bias. Excellent straight line car tho. Now you know people build street rods.