40 Banjo in a 34 Frame

OK, I hauled Two 34 Fords out of the woods in Upper Michigan.. (You can have that Junk!) I am starting to build the frame. I have a 40 rear, a 53 engine and a 39 trans.. What will it take to use this rear in the 34 frame?
How much do I need to shorten the tube, and what is the best method? Also what rear spring do I need?
Bill

 

Are you running the torque tube or an open drive?

 

You can use model t springs and up with that rear. Once you get the rear in and the motor mounted you can take your measurements and shorten the torque tube. I would have a drive shaft shop do your drive shaft, but the torque tube is easy enough to do yourself. Find a perfectly flat level spot on your floor..I like to cut mine right at the rear weld by the mounting flange. use a torpedo level and make sure you get every angle perfectly level while your tacking it back together.

 

You can use model t springs and up with that rear. Once you get the rear in and the motor mounted you can take your measurements and shorten the torque tube. I would have a drive shaft shop do your drive shaft, but the torque tube is easy enough to do yourself. Find a perfectly flat level spot on your floor..I like to cut mine right at the rear weld by the mounting flange. use a torpedo level and make sure you get every angle perfectly level while your tacking it back together.

 

I have both set ups, open and closed but want to run the closed on this one. Another option I have is a Merc Overdrive, But it is a side shift. So I can use an A spring? The 40 Rear has a spring.. Seems like it woiuld be more stout.. I have not measured the cross member or the spring..

Thanks for the input!
Bill

 

Need more details..Are you keeping frame stock or switching rear crossmember? Within those years theres a ton of possible options. for instance, im building a 27 roadster on duece rails..It has a model a rear X, 40 rear, shortened t tube, and a model t spring

 

Stock 34 rear x member.. I do have a 40 X member and a 47 Linclon x Member

 

Post some pic's of your Finds, sounds like you have some great plans.

 

Here are some picts http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/album.php?albumid=14147

 

I have a similar plan for my 33, and according to the expert ive spoken to, its like this.

The 37 axle is the best since its not so wide as the 42-48 ones.

And he recommends a Monoleaf spring, the original 32-34 spring is U shaped and a straight spring will move the axle back around one inch. And this is good since the rear wheels is mounted a bit forward in the wheelwell.

If you use the 40 spring you may have to grind of couple of places so it fits in the original crossmember.