How much hp can a stock model A axle handle. want to run a lightly modified Chevy 250 with 700r4. I want to run a banjo and will continue looking for a 40s unit. But curious about the Model A piece Thanks
We are over 2000 miles apart. I might have to look locally first. If I can’t find one I will check back with you. Thanks for the offer
The "A" rear is considerably weaker that the V8 rears, as the V8 has a straddle mount pinion, IIRC. But the biggest problem is the axles and keys, I used to bust them with a worn out stock "A" engine There are ways, with machine work, etc. to change a banjp rear over to later axles, I know, but it is sorta involved, from what Iunderstand
If you added your location to your profile; maybe someone local would chime in. It really doesn't hurt.
I have a stock A rear end out of a friend's hot rod built in 1961 that had a 303 Olds put in it using a set of catalog engine mounts and an adapter plate to the stock trans. The gears are missing several teeth, but the interesting thing is, this car went many trips down a drag strip before it finally gave out.
The axle diameter, taper and keys are the same from 1928 to 1948 that's why you can put later hydraulic brakes on a Model A, the bearings in the rear ends interchange. The ring and pinion on the Model A is smaller and lighter. Lot of them were behind flathead V8's for years and some OH V8's and survive if you aren't too hard on them.
If you are thinking about wedging a 6-cylinder Chevy engine with automatic transmission into a street-driven Model A, you might want to re-think the logistics of such a project. Just sayin'...
That just isn't going to fit or work at all. Plus you would have to change the Model A rear axle to open drive. A lot of guys ran 4 cylinder engines out of 70 something or 80 Something cars back in the gas crunch days. I've got a friend who has had a Vega ( I don't recommend that) one in his coupe for over 30 years. Man owns a machine shop and can build any engine he wants but that is what he runs. That six is about two cylinders too long for an A engine compartment unless you are building one of those abortion rods.
Gotta love the HAMB.........the OP made no mention of building an A car, only about the strength of an A rear end. A few posts later guys are questioning his motives and telling him how to build his project.....whatever it is.
Good point there RMR&C but when a guy wants to run a stock Model A rear axle Most of us come to the concept of him having a stock model A. Even in a little single seat speedster where that rear would be pretty neat looking it is going to be spendy as it costs 360 for the parts to convert it. http://www.hotrodworks.com/product-category/open-drive-conversions/ For his purposes a mid/late open drive 1/2 ton Ford pickup banjo might be a lot better idea and not as spendy or as hard to find. Ok Wrench666 settle the controversy, what are you wanting to build with these pieces? Inquiring minds want to know.
Haha. Well as it turns out I have 2 A rears that’s why I was asking about strength. The 6 with auto is going in my 27T Tudor it’s a steel body on an aftermarket tube frame that I am stretching. It took me a long time to decide on the six. Figure I’ll save my 409 for another project.
1942-47 1/2 ton pickups had parallel leafs and open drive shafts. These were the only banjo rears like this.
well we got a bunch of snow last nite so it took me awhile but I found this pic on my comp Any thoughts on what it might have come out of
Off somebodies trailer, they added the leaf springs and that's a pipe added to the torque tube for the tongue. Bet you, there is not much good left in there.
No... but lots of guys here from Ontario. There's a 34 banjo for sale in Barrie. Sure, a road trip depending on where you are, but cheaper and closer than shipping. I did a road trip up to the Sault last spring to get parts... it's not like you're across the ocean.
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