Helping a friend with an original 32 roadster - is putting an 8" Ford rear in it for better gear ratios, better brakes, etc.. I'm picking up a set of 35-36 rear radius rods and will obviously weld the necessary hanger brackets to the housing. As I've not done this particular conversion before, was wondering a few things: 1) Do we use the original spring (curved) or a different rear spring with the original 32 rear cross? 2) If we go to a 'straight' spring - which one - and is there an issue fitting it into the rear cross and is there a "special spring" that Posies or somebody might have that fits this sort of application. I've heard about folks "grinding the heck" out of springs to fit the 32 rear cross . . . but would surely love to NOT have to do that (if I can help it). 3) With the correct combination of parts (rear spring) - will the axle centerline be dang close (front to rear) as the original 32? What do I need to know here? 4) Anything else to be aware of? Things like ride height, rear spring shackles, etc.. I can fabricate just about anything, but it is nice to hear from guys who have done this sort of thing so I don't have to "problem solve" the hard way! Thanks to all who reply! B&S
The grind isnt that bad but I would use the stock curved spring and make up the difference between the 32 and 36 center to center discrepancy with your fabricated brackets.
This thread may help. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/1936-bones-in-1932-ford-chassis.1112395/#post-12624282
I have used 37-40 front spring, 2" wide and removed 1/4" from the sleeve on the rear arm. Used a So-Cal spring on the last one, it's longer and provided a better ride.
I see that P&J has a straight rear spring - designed for 32-34 cars. I've sent them a request to talk to somebody about the dimensional details involved (width/locations of 35-36 spring hangers, wheel location front to rear, etc). Have you happened to use the straight spring with a stock 32 rear cross before? Is it designed to fit the 32 rear cross without modifications? THANKS!