I'm planning out a '30-'31 Model A build for the coming year/s. My goal is to keep the drive train (along with stock wheels - no fender high boy) and stock braking system. After doing some reading I think I'll be going with reverse eye springs front and rear. What I don't know is with the plan to put in RE springs and hairpin radius rods will I still be able to run the stock mechanical brakes?
Check the archives on fordbarn.com and if you can't find anything try a post there. It has been discussed there in the past by guys building speedsters. My choice would be to use hydraulic brakes for safety. Charlie Stephens
I think Elrod did a post a while back on doing mech brakes on a dropped a that was pretty comprehensive Id do a search
Some I saved http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...-roadster-drop-axle-mechanical-brakes.591239/ http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/coupe-update-dumped-with-mechanical-brakes.564435/ http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/slammed-the-31-ford-coupe-sweet-and-low-down.332870/ Cheers Juggs
DROPPED AXLES AND FRONT ENDS IN GENERAL Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by TweedDeluxe, Oct 20, 2014.
Easiest way to lower is with a 32-6 axle...gives you approx 1 1/2" of drop. Coupled with a reverse eye spring and the removal of a couple leaves, you could easily have 3 3/4" to 4" of drop. If you go this way, you can either use 32-4 spring perches or make small extensions to lengthen the mechanical brake tab on the stock A perches. Here is the most common set up using; 32-6 axle 32-4 spindles 32-4 perch pins (a bronze bushing is needed to reduce the size of the 32-4 perch to accept the Model A shackle - I'm using McMaster Carr part# 6381K5, cut to length) Model A king pins Model A brake actuators Model A spring Model A wishbone (a 1/4" spacer is needed to take up the difference between the 32-4 axle and the Model A wishbone - I used McMaster Carr part# 91201A036) To use a dropped axle, you'd need to make sure that the axle was also stretched (aka stretch-dropped). You'll need to make an extension to lengthen the brake actuator mount when using either the 32-4 perch or the Model A perch. Here is my setup - copied directly from @woodiemike's thread "Lakes Pictures P.R.C." using; "Dago" dropped & stretched 33-6 axle (dropped approx 2 1/4" over a stock 32-6) 32-4 spindles 32-4 perch pins (with '39 Ford front shackle plates as spacers to align brake actuators) 32-4 king pins 32-4 brake actuators (shock mounts on the 32-4 spring perches may need to be removed for brake rod clearance) Model A spring Model A wishbone **Steering arms will need to be bent for clearance with most dropped axles. Here is mine (mocked up) - still need to bend steering arms, weld shock studs onto the axle, and remove the shock mount from the spring perch. I'll also be running a reverse eye spring for a total of 5" of drop - the most seen on mid-late 1940's hot rods. Hope this helps!
I'm currently building the same front suspension as gwhite. For the 34 Perch bushings I cut down Model A rear spring bushing both in length and OD.
Here's another view of the dropped axle/mechanical brake setup, copied directly from the Wilmer McNatt roadster shown in the "Lakes P.R.C." thread mentioned above. Still need to heat & bend the steering arm and cut the shock mount off the perch, but otherwise, it's identical. (Original set up on the left - my 're-creation' on the right)