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Technical Replacing wavy (Plymouth?) axle to traditional 4" drop axle

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by FIN Flat, Mar 21, 2021.

  1. FIN Flat
    Joined: Apr 13, 2020
    Posts: 3

    FIN Flat

    Hi all,

    I have '32 Ford Tudor with wavy front axle on it. I'd like to replace it with common 4 inch I beam drop axle because the wavy one is too wide. What is Your opinion, do I have to change king pins or other parts also?
    I'm pretty sure, that "wavy" axle is from late 30's Plymouth's front end. Do You identify it?

    Thanks,
    Juho
    Finland
     

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  2. Rusty O'Toole
    Joined: Sep 17, 2006
    Posts: 9,657

    Rusty O'Toole
    Member

    Late 30s Plymouth/Dodge had a forged I beam axle but it was bent in the middle for engine clearance. I wonder if yours could be from an early 30s Chrysler Dodge or Plymouth, they had a tubular axle. But they had parallel leaf springs not the Ford style cross spring. Someone may have modified some kind of Chrysler product axle to fit. I doubt spindles would interchange with Ford. Any idea when the axle may have been installed or when the car was built? The only reason I can think of for using a Chrysler axle is they had hydraulic brakes years before Ford.
     
    chryslerfan55 likes this.
  3. That wavy axle is cool. Always liked them. Do you have any pics of the whole car? I would be inclined to keep it
     
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  4. Mike Colemire
    Joined: May 18, 2013
    Posts: 1,428

    Mike Colemire
    Member

    Axle, spindles, brake kit is what you will need. I changed one out that was bent, problem was I spent time and money converting it to disk using all new ford escape parts. It's still laying in my garage in the way. You'll also have to change your steering arms and steering.
     
    chryslerfan55 likes this.

  5. mr.chevrolet
    Joined: Jul 19, 2006
    Posts: 8,860

    mr.chevrolet
    Member

    33 Plymouth, I believe
     

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  6. FIN Flat
    Joined: Apr 13, 2020
    Posts: 3

    FIN Flat

    Thanks guys!
    Seems not so simple to change just the axle.. That front axle is two-three inches too wide. It just looks stupid when rear axle is so much narrower. Maybe I have to spread that with spacers or something..
    The car has built here in Finland about twelve years ago.

    Juho
     

    Attached Files:

    chryslerfan55 likes this.
  7. I would run wider rear wheels and tires on the rear and be done with it.
     
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  8. Mike Colemire
    Joined: May 18, 2013
    Posts: 1,428

    Mike Colemire
    Member

  9. Recommending to try the rear wheel spacers first. The wider width stance will look neat, in my opinion.
     
  10. lippy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2006
    Posts: 6,825

    lippy
    Member
    from Ks

    Tell them it;s a pontiac. (Wide Track) lol
     
  11. woodscaper
    Joined: Feb 20, 2011
    Posts: 99

    woodscaper
    Member

    Disc brake kit didn't help either, maybe front wheels with more backspacing will pull the fronts in some, helps with scrub radius too. I had that on my 39.
     
    FIN Flat likes this.
  12. That tubular front axle and spindles look like 37/38 Plymouth & Dodge or possibly the standard model 1939 Plymouth..........I am unaware of a late 30's mopar I beam axle tho' the pickup trucks may have had one I suppose..............andyd.
     
  13. dwollam
    Joined: Oct 22, 2012
    Posts: 2,322

    dwollam
    Member

    '36 Dodge pickups used I beams. I have a '36 and have had 3 '36 pickups total. I have a '38 Dodge car wavy axle in my '33 Plymouth. I also have a couple '33 axles, yours looks more like '33 than '38. '38 uses larger bolts for the steering arms through the spindle.

    Dave
     
    FIN Flat likes this.
  14. Guy Patterson
    Joined: Nov 27, 2020
    Posts: 372

    Guy Patterson

    36 plymouth or dodge have the wavy front axel years before and after are independent suspension
     
  15. FIN Flat
    Joined: Apr 13, 2020
    Posts: 3

    FIN Flat

    Thank you all so far!
    I got good advices and information. This is so great forum! Now I only have to decide what to do..
     
  16. dwollam
    Joined: Oct 22, 2012
    Posts: 2,322

    dwollam
    Member

    '34 mopar was their 1st independent. '35-'38 went back to straight axle. '39 went back to independent.

    Dave
     

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