What is the difference between 36-37 Ford wishbones?

[Roothawg]

I assume after reading a couple of suspension type catalogs that the 37-40 front bones are skinnier and have a better tire clearance with a dropped axle.
Anyone have one they can snap a pic of?
BTW, I need a set If ya got some.

[286merc]

36-6 are unique as they mount to the axle, the others mount to the backing plate.



35-6 bones

[286merc]

This is a 40.

[modernbeat]

35-36 front bones are set up for a 2 inch axle perch and the later bones through -41 are set up for a 2.25 perch.

Other than that, I thought they were identical. I've had both. I'll go stick them next to each other and snap a photo.

Rumor that I've heard is that if you swap a '36 bones into a '40 the end result is that you lower the car about an inch. Don't ask me the specifics like if you cut down the '40 axle or use the '36 axle, or which spring you use, or whatever else...

[modernbeat]

BTW Carl, what did you do to that '36 brake drum? Loosen the nut and drive around the block?!?! :-)

Bad Call on the front bones. I've got '36 and '46, but not a '37-'41. The '46-'48 is like the '41 style but it's got an "S" curve in it before the axle.

[286merc]

Shit, cant read. Running on 2 hrs of sleep again.

Jason, that rear is just another one of those I rescued from a circle track cemetery a few years ago.

And you wonder why Ive been having a hard time getting drums off!

Ive got the matching front end for the 40 if Root needs pix.

[modernbeat]

Ok, here's photos and measurements of a '36 wishbone. This one is split and I've got the left half here.

From the weld in front of the Y to the weld behind the yoke it's 38.5 inches. From the weld in front of the Y to the center of the axle pin is 41.25 inches. The opening of the axle yoke is 2 inches. The heigth of the yoke is 3.75 inches. The part of the yoke above the axle is 1.125 inches. If the axle yoke is level, the wishbone arm is offset at 9 degrees up. FWIW, the spring shackle hole in the arm is level with the top of the axle.

http://lonestar.texas.net/~mcdaniel/hamb/DSCN0002.JPG

http://lonestar.texas.net/~mcdaniel/hamb/DSCN0004.JPG

http://lonestar.texas.net/~mcdaniel/hamb/36bones.jpg

Carl, it's your turn.

[Roothawg]

Thanks. I just had read that when using a dropped I beam from Chassis Engineering they suggest the 37-41 Front bones.
I'll have to ponder this....

[modernbeat]

That's because CE makes their axle with a 2.25 inch perch. I can't think of any other reason to recomend one wishbone over the others.

[Roothawg]

They claim it is because of tire clearance. Maybe both?

[Roothawg]

So so all aftermarket axle companies use the 2.25" perch?

[Roothawg]

Well, after surfing the web looking at catalogs etc. I have come to the conclusion that you are screwed if you want a dropped axle for your 35-36 without buying a different wishbone setup and different spindles. Wow, that is one long run on sentance....

[modernbeat]

I think Magnum offers both 2 and 2.25 inch perches. Another reason to choose Magnum over CE or Superbell is that the Magnum axles have the most clearance for spindles with stock steering arms.

[Roothawg]

I looked at Magnum ...I didn't see the 2" perch. I'll look again.

[modernbeat]

I bought one through So-Cal. Sold it when ELPolako offered the IC front ends.

[Roothawg]

I thought SoCal only sold shirts...... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Roothawg]

They don't show axles on their website at all now.....lotsa cool shirts and expensive pretties though.

[Bruce Lancaster]

A major wishbone difference between '36 and '37 is the width between the perch eyes. '36 axle perch holes are are about 36 3/8, '37 are about 38 1/2. 1936 axles are same dimensionally as '32-6, '37 type runs '37-41.

[286merc]

Here are some shots taken in the rain, figure I better do it now as they will be under snow in a week.

This is a 40, a 37 & 39 I have look identical.

[286merc]

Another shot of the 40

[30roadster]

[ QUOTE ]
I thought SoCal only sold shirts...... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Muhaha! - i love it....If they learned a little phone etiquette they might be able to sell more than shirts http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[286merc]

This is a 42-48, you can see the step in the bone.

[286merc]

This is a 32 for comparison. Last used for a trailer.

[50Fraud]

I have a Superbell in my '36, using a stock '35 wishbone. Pretty certain it's a 2" perch, so Superbell obviously makes an axle specifically for '35-'36.