I’m building a 32 Ford style frame and using ‘41 Ford rear and 41’ wishbones. I shortened (19”) the ‘41 torque tube to put the rear axle where it’s supposed to be. I knew the ‘41 banjo was bigger and even if I used a ‘32 ford torque tube it would still need to be shortened 1/2” My issue is with the rear spring not aligning 100%. I know the ‘32 frame has the rear spring 7 1/4” back from the axle centerline. It looks like the ‘41 is at 7 1/2”. This is pushing the rear spring back a little. It’s too late or to much work to move the rear crossmember back 1/4”. My choice it to shorten the torque tube another 1/4” or shorten the forged ends of the rear spring perches 1/4” to correct the spring issue. I know that shortening the torque tube will move the axle forward 1/4”. I don’t think that will be too noticeable on the car. What would you guys do?
Grind 1/4 inch off the edge of the spring.Clean up the edges nicely,and no one will know what you did.
I’m using the stock 1941 rear spring. It’s 2 1/4” wide. I fabricated my own rear crossmember out of 3/16 plate. Grind the spring to let it sit in the crossmember a little different so it aligns with the perches?
Why do you say it's to late to fine tune the Crossmember? All I see is tack welds. That just seems the right way to do the job. My other question is, are you going to run fenders? If not set the body on with tires on the rear axle and do the visual test. If it looks okay just move on as is.
Stock 32's have the rear axle 1/2" too far forward to center the tire in the fender. As Mike suggested install the body and look it over, then make the decision from there.
Marty and I have both learned to build to what fits and looks right and use the tape measure to make sure things are Square. Numbers are just numbers, they don't always make things fit.
This is what happens when you don’t move the crossmember . This is a stock crossmember and stock spring that is missing a few leafs. The wheel will be forward in the fender opening
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