Early V8 axle under Model A front end

ag32milner

Junior Member
Excuse me as I know this topic has been posted several times over the years but I need assistance. I would to install a 1935 front axle under a 1931 A to lower it and retain the mechanical brakes. Also needed are 1932-34 spring perches, so I contacted Bob Drake tech info and was informed that item B-3032 spring perches would not work for the application. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated. ag32milner
 
The '35 axle is wider at the spring-perch holes than Model A thru '34, so the spring-perch would be closer to the brake backing plates and the mechanism too long. A '32-'34 axle would lower the car about 1.5", so would be a better choice if you want to keep the mechanicals. '35 brakes are bigger and better than A brakes, and have cast iron drums, so would be a better brake.
 
i thought the perch pin distance was the same from '28-'36.


You are correct. Also the kingpin spacing is the same. As well, axles from 1933 to 1936 are all identical. 1932 axles have a thicker, heavier cross section but otherwise also have the same spacing for kingpins and wishbone attachment as 33-36. Previous suggestions by others that 1935-36 axles are different (either in this thread or the first similar one) are incorrect. These axles are identical to those of 33-34. The fact that 1935-36 have the spring mounted in front of the axle is because the spring perch is an extension of the wishbone, not because there is any difference in the axles themselves.
 
Randy is correct. You can use any axle up to 36. The model A wishbone fits just fine keeping in mind you will need a 1/4" spacer on the thinner axles. Use the drake 32 perches, no problem there either. You'll need the model A brake actuators, not the 32 ones. I like 32 spindels because they will lower the car 1/2" and they just look better than the later model ones everyone uses.
 
Here is the set up on my roadster. That's a 36 axle, drake repro 32 perches.
 

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