Register now to get rid of these ads!

Hot Rods '32 Torque Tube...

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Fortunateson, Apr 11, 2020.

  1. Fortunateson
    Joined: Apr 30, 2012
    Posts: 5,331

    Fortunateson
    Member

    I was wondering if I can use my '32 Torque tube between my '40 rear end and my '39 top loader trans. Searched but found nothing. Thanks...
     
  2. Duke
    Joined: Mar 21, 2001
    Posts: 834

    Duke
    Member

    If your 32 rear is a late it should work. Look at the axle end to see if it matches the 40.
     
  3. What car are you working on?

    Charlie Stephens
     
  4. Fortunateson
    Joined: Apr 30, 2012
    Posts: 5,331

    Fortunateson
    Member

    '32 5W with a '40 rear end, toploader trans, 8BA with a to be determined overbore, Fenton Intake with three 97s, a mild cam, and original Eddie Meyer heads.

    I have two '32 rear ends but only one torque tube so I'll check... round versus scalloped flange, correct? How difficult is it to shorten a '40 torque tube?

    Tried to find the diff ratio today but didn't spot it. I need that to determine if I should use the regular Ford trans gears or the LZ set I have. Any advice regarding the trans gear choices?

    Thanks...
     
    Last edited: Apr 12, 2020

  5. Duke
    Joined: Mar 21, 2001
    Posts: 834

    Duke
    Member

    If you have a late 32 rearend I think it is as strong as the 40. Everything will bolt together then.
     
  6. Fortunateson
    Joined: Apr 30, 2012
    Posts: 5,331

    Fortunateson
    Member

    The rear ended is on jack stands, no not Harbor Freight ones. I marked the input, pinion (?) and the brake drum. I rotated the imput 15 times before the drum got back to precisely the index mark. 15/6 gave me a 2.5 ratio. I think I did something wrong.... tips?
     
  7. Fortunateson
    Joined: Apr 30, 2012
    Posts: 5,331

    Fortunateson
    Member

    Well that is interesting.... I heard that the '32-34 were not as strong as the later ones. It would be a bonus if they were as strong. Now the axle tubes on the later '32 rear end has had some butcher surgery so would the axle tubes between the early '32 or '40 rear end be a direct swap to the later '32 (scalloped) rear end? And would the juice breaks on the '40 rear end be a simple swap as well? Will the '32 torque tube bolt right up to the top loader trans?

    Sorry for all the questions but I'm just getting my ducks in a row...
     
  8. Remember the '40 rear end is wider. The '40 brakes will go right on the '32 rear end. The '32 torque tube with bolt up to the later trans assuming you are using the original rear transmission mount for the '32.

    Charlie Stephens
     
  9. uncle buck
    Joined: Feb 13, 2007
    Posts: 1,876

    uncle buck
    Member

    As for swapping the bells , the center banjo housing is narrower on 32-34 vs 35-48. This makes putting your 32 bells on the 40 center not work as far as I know


    Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
     
  10. Deuce Lover
    Joined: Feb 15, 2009
    Posts: 1,047

    Deuce Lover
    Member

    If the banjo hasn't been messed with there are numbers stamped on the bottom on the wedge ,like 9 34,9 37 etc. No such thing as a 2.5.
     
  11. Fortunateson
    Joined: Apr 30, 2012
    Posts: 5,331

    Fortunateson
    Member

    Didn't think so. I found a 9 and about a inch and a half away something like a "c" so I can't identify.
     
  12. Fortunateson
    Joined: Apr 30, 2012
    Posts: 5,331

    Fortunateson
    Member

    Charlie,

    I will be a using an original '32 rear trans mount. The torque tube I have is coupled to an early "32 rear end for a Model B engine. So... will it work with the later '32 rear end and would the early rear end bells bolt onto the layer rear end?

    In my research I found a post that said use the forty rear end, grind the spring to fit the '32 rear crossmember, and shorten the '40 torque tube. Does that seem like a good idea?
     
    Last edited: Apr 12, 2020
  13. I am not really sure what you are asking. Correct it when you are awake. I hate to say it I do the same thing. Right now I am up feeding the dogs so they stop barking. You can't interchange the early and late '32 torque tubes. The early bells won't fit the the '40 center section. Shortening the '40 torque tube and grinding the spring would work but the rear end may be too wide depending on rims, tires and if you are fender-less. What engine are you planning on running? Too much hp for an early '32 rear end?

    Charlie Stephens
     
  14. Duke
    Joined: Mar 21, 2001
    Posts: 834

    Duke
    Member

    What type of damage does the late 32 have? If someone booger welded on to it can you clean it up? If it is not the bearing surface things can be fixed (that can be fixed as well, but need to be a machinist). The 40 brakes will bolt to the 32 rear.
     
  15. Fortunateson
    Joined: Apr 30, 2012
    Posts: 5,331

    Fortunateson
    Member

    I've got to quit typing without my glasses... I've corrected my weird spelling.
    See post #4 for engine details. Wheels will be '35 wires and will be running full fenders.
     
    Last edited: Apr 12, 2020
  16. Fortunateson
    Joined: Apr 30, 2012
    Posts: 5,331

    Fortunateson
    Member

    Somebody used a cutting torch to cut off the spring hangers. I do have the complete '40 rear end, torque tube, and radius rods.

    It seems to be find a late '32-34 torque tube or just use all the '40 stuff.
     
  17. alchemy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2002
    Posts: 20,405

    alchemy
    Member

    Check the distance from axle centerline to front face of the banjo center on the late 32 versus the 40. I think they are different. So then even if the 32 torquetube will bolt onto the 40 center, the length may be wrong. Might as well shorten the 40 torquetube then.

    I've seen all kinds of methods guys use to shorten the torquetube. Some think a hacksaw and some tape measures are good enough. The machinist who did mine used a large lathe, making the cut at the back end. The best way to check is to bolt it all together when done and spin the driveshaft inside with no bearing in the front of the TT. If the driveshaft is in the center of the TT and spins concentrically you did a fine job.

    I think a 40 rearend isn't too wide if using some 35 wires. The tires should be positioned nicely, still under the fender but not too far in.
     
    town sedan likes this.
  18. dwollam
    Joined: Oct 22, 2012
    Posts: 2,321

    dwollam
    Member

    To figure out rear end gear ratio, on an open rear end, keep one wheel on the ground or locked somehow so it won't rotate. Mark the pinion with paint, scratch, spit etc. mark the other wheel, hub whatever. Rotate that wheel 2 exact turns and count the number of revolutions of the pinion. 3 3/4 turns approx is a 3.78 . 4 and a touch is 4.11, etc . On a locked or posi rear end, raise both wheels and rotate the wheel ONE full turn and count the pinion turns. Posi doesn't have the spider gears to deal with.

    Dave
     
  19. The topic of width keeps coming up. How about measuring backing plate to backing plate and posting what you find? Referencing in comment about glasses (Post # 15), I am lucky enough that I can use glasses from the dollar store, I keep them all around the house.

    Charlie Stephens
     
  20. rusty valley
    Joined: Oct 25, 2014
    Posts: 3,883

    rusty valley
    Member

    the 35 & up center section of the banjo is 9/16" longer to accommodate the larger pinion bearings so, drive shaft and torque tube should be 9 1/6 shorter to keep the same wheelbase.
     
  21. Fortunateson
    Joined: Apr 30, 2012
    Posts: 5,331

    Fortunateson
    Member

    Yep, I’ve got them scattered around as well but just like a pen when you need one you can’t find one! LOL
     
  22. Fortunateson
    Joined: Apr 30, 2012
    Posts: 5,331

    Fortunateson
    Member


    Well I checked the gear ratio between rounds of ingesting chocolate eggs ( I wonder what those rabbits eat in order to produce chocolate?). Anyway it was roughly 3 3/4 turns so I guess I have 3.78 set of ring and pinion gears. So saying that, and what I have indicated will be the engine setup, would I be advised to run LZ trans gears or stay with the standard Ford gears?
     
  23. V8RPU
    Joined: Sep 23, 2010
    Posts: 295

    V8RPU
    Member
    from Nor Cal

    It is a certainty that the majority of 32 hot rods with banjo rears use the 35-40 rear axle assembly. The difference in width is not a factor, the cars arguably look better with the wider rear. In the picture the roadster has a deuce rear, the coupe has a forty, both with 40 Ford 16 inch wheels. The combination favored by many is a 35-40 center section, axles, and bells with a shortened 35-40 torque tube, a 32 or 33-34 drive shaft with the coupler that fits the pinion splines on the later rear turned down and welded to the driveshaft. 39-40 Merc. or 42-46 wishbones complete the package. The 35-40 spring is ground to fit the 32 crossmember using one of the small 32 leaves as a guide on how much to trim the later leaves. There are many other combinations. IMG_2300 copy.JPG
     
    low down A likes this.
  24. Deuce Lover
    Joined: Feb 15, 2009
    Posts: 1,047

    Deuce Lover
    Member

    The "T" could be a "4" ? If so 9:34 ? =3.78
     
  25. Fortunateson
    Joined: Apr 30, 2012
    Posts: 5,331

    Fortunateson
    Member

    Now that was VERY helpful, thank you! As far as the rear wishbones could I not use the '32 or '40 set? Locating parts around here seems rather difficult...
     
  26. Fortunateson
    Joined: Apr 30, 2012
    Posts: 5,331

    Fortunateson
    Member

    Yep, I have a 3.78.
     
  27. alchemy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2002
    Posts: 20,405

    alchemy
    Member

    Use the wishbones that match the axle housings. The 32 mounts vary differently from the 40.
     
    Last edited: Apr 14, 2020
  28. Fortunateson
    Joined: Apr 30, 2012
    Posts: 5,331

    Fortunateson
    Member

    Would the '40 wishbones have to be shortened at all?
     
  29. alchemy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2002
    Posts: 20,405

    alchemy
    Member

    Probably. The 40 bones are long. Maybe if you can shorten the TT in front of the wishbone mount you could keep them long. I think a tape measure should be exercised.
     
  30. alchemy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2002
    Posts: 20,405

    alchemy
    Member

    Or you could bolt a set of 42-48 wishbones (shorter than earlier parts) on the 40 housings and maybe not need to shorten the bones. You'd have to heat and bend the ends a bit since the angle is slightly different. Then just position the mounting bung on the torquetube to match. Six of one and half dozen of the other.
     
    town sedan likes this.

Share This Page

Register now to get rid of these ads!

Archive

Copyright © 1995-2021 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.

Atomic Industry
Forum software by XenForo™ ©2010-2014 XenForo Ltd.