32 chassis engineering axle

  • Thread starter Thread starter RB
  • Start date Start date
RB

RB

Senior Member
Would like to locate a first-generation 47"K.P.x 34"or35" perch Chassis Engineering dropped axle or the 2nd. generation retooled 46" as produced by Pete/Jakes.
 
Conversed with Jason Stover (Pete & Jakes) & after the retooling a run of 125 units were made & all stock has been sold, I have never heard of a C.E. axle breaking & can personally attest to the durability of the forging much like a factory Ford axle, it took a hit at interstate speeds bending without breaking.
 
No, most of the CE axles aren’t marked. I think they only did that in the later years.

The CE axles were great. Had a very nice shape, forged by suppliers that also made parts for John Deere tractors, and were the best dropped axle made. Too bad Pete & Jake’s aren’t making more.
 
The CE axle design & forging are enough reason to stay the course & additionally while I'm in the dark of it's true meaning the left & right drop areas have bold raised letters VCW to verify it is in fact the real deal unlike so many cast examples as of late, however I'm uncertain if the P&J examples after retooling retained that distinction a question I'll ask of Jason just for the record.
 
Last edited:
I have a CE dropped axle which I'm installing under our Deuce 3 window build. The CE initial's can be seen indented into the center area of the beams front face. The axle is of a construction that looks similar in size/shape to what's called the 32 commercial beam. Never heard of any CE axles ever breaking.
Ronnieroadster
 
Thanks Ronnie, I'll need to ck. mine closer does yours have the raised vcw letters on (L)& (R) dropped areas?
 
Last edited:
No evidence of a CE stamping anywhere on my axle however it finally dawned on me the VCW which I now find on all (4) corners (2) front (2) back I presume indicates a Vintage Chassis Works forging which I've read but can't confirm were sourced alternately by them & John Deere. Beginning to make some sense of it all.
 
I had to don my Columbo attire for this one.... the CE (Chassis Engineering) axle was first introduced in a Street Scene publication with photos on November of 1980 by VCW (Vintage Chassis Works) using C-1045 steel on a 3-ton hammer forging by an original Ford supplier. the introductory price 45 years ago was $179.00. A Hamb member (chopped30) offered one for sale on Feb. 22, 2017, for $600.00 & was bumped in July 2017 for $400.00 & sold at that time. Inflation is alive & dare I say well ? Not sure I'm able to step through the photo posting process but if anyone can, If you post your Phone contact I can get it to you to do so.
 
RB said:
Would like to locate a first-generation 47"K.P.x 34"or35" perch Chassis Engineering dropped axle or the 2nd. generation retooled 46" as produced by Pete/Jakes.
Click to expand...

Like this? Sorry about the phone camera distortion.

Original never used CE axle with 2" perch bosses.
 

Attachments

  • IMG20250829144907 (Medium) - Copy.jpg
    IMG20250829144907 (Medium) - Copy.jpg
    71.2 KB · Views: 295
  • IMG20250828215350 (Medium).jpg
    IMG20250828215350 (Medium).jpg
    41.9 KB · Views: 289
  • IMG20250828215155 (Medium).jpg
    IMG20250828215155 (Medium).jpg
    30.3 KB · Views: 275
That is the CE axle as clearly shown, not sure if that is a 2" or 2.25" boss as both were initially offered. Thanks for the response.
 
RB said:
That is the CE axle as clearly shown, not sure if that is a 2" or 2.25" boss as both were initially offered. Thanks for the response.
Click to expand...

The axle in my post is milled for 2" '32-'36 wishbones.

I used a 2-1/4" boss CE axle with a split '40 wishbone on the front of my '35 coupe.

If I remember right that axle isn't marked with the CE initials. I bought it a long time time ago

I had a 2" Vintage Chassis Works (VCW) a while back; I think my kid used it in one of his roadsters.
 
Thanks Rich, my 32 has a 47 x 35 x 2.25 with 4" drop & using a 4-bar configuration, I've seen the bosses shimmed up but seems a bit hokey but presume it works as even the spindle bosses require shimming to some degree.
 
I thought CE and VCW were two different places. Maybe the axles were similar, but not the same. Both forged though, so much better than cast.
 
Don't know if it has anything to do with this thread, but over on the HAMB there was a lot of discussion (years ago) about Magnum cast axles breaking. Just a lot of back and forth talk.
 
Yes Jeff, the VCE & CE were in fact both separate entities, VCW was located in Youngstown Ohio & the original 1980 issue 32 axle was forged at an Ohio facility know to be used by the Ford Motor Co. when VCW closed CE purchased the rights & utilized a Wisconsin forging facility. Upon the unfortunate passing of Roy Lewis Pete & Jakes obtained rights & as Jason Slover confirmed it was ironic they used the same Ohio forging facility as the original 1980 version. Along the journey 125 units were manufactured & as Jason said when the time cane to rebuild the dies it was then they were altered with the changing demands to a 46" k.p. dimension. I hope I've got all that straight with all due respect to each as mentioned & appreciate Jason unraveling the rest of the story !
 
Here's a picture of my Chassis Engineering axle. The letters CE are engraved into this axle its from the 1980's. Spent a few hours so far polishing the surfaces for plating eventually.

If anyone can guess the engine from what little can be seen let me know what you think it is. Obviously not an early Ford V-8
Ronnieroadster
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1847.jpg
    IMG_1847.jpg
    91.5 KB · Views: 52
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top