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Technical 1935-36 Rear Radius Rods, 8" Rear, 32 Rear Cross - Help?

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by Bored&Stroked, Jun 11, 2019.

  1. 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
     
    kidcampbell71 likes this.
  2. bct
    Joined: Apr 4, 2005
    Posts: 3,154

    bct
    Member

    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.
     
  3. bct
    Joined: Apr 4, 2005
    Posts: 3,154

    bct
    Member

  4. Marty Strode
    Joined: Apr 28, 2011
    Posts: 8,798

    Marty Strode
    Member

    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.
     
    LCGarage likes this.

  5. Pete Eastwood
    Joined: Jul 27, 2011
    Posts: 1,324

    Pete Eastwood
    Member
    from california

    Pete & Jake's has all the parts you need for this setup .
     
    kidcampbell71 likes this.
  6. 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!
     

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