Banjo rear end interchangeability

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PhoenixFear

Senior Member
I have a 1933 rear end. I am trying to figure out if I could possibly put a later center section in while still retaining the stock bells, and swap out axles as well. The 1933 axle has hydraulic brakes on it. I'm assuming this will make it so that the spring still mounts into the stock frame, I may be able to use my torque tube and radius rods (and have a driveshaft made to work with the newer gears) or vice versa. The main reason is ease of finding parts; it seems harder to find 1933-1934 axle parts than later stuff. I have heard later rear springs do not mount as well into a 1933 rear crossmember as well, so I would rather just use what I have in that regard. Thanks.
 
It will not work. The early center sections are narrower than the later ones. Your axles will be too short if used with the later center section.
 
Are the bells the same size? I was actually thinking of putting the later axles in. Basically the bells would be the only thing I would use, if this conversion actually works.
 
Rumbleseat (Paul) did it, using later (46) Columbia parts. Writeup is in the tech site. Anything is possible, but do you really want to go there? Paul had machine shop access, so he could do the axle mods and anything else needed.
 
I'm basically just trying to come up with options. The rear end was originally from a 4-cylinder I believe so that makes it more difficult. I'm thinking of using 1935-40 internals and center section with the 1933 bells and mounts. I know anything after that will be a lot wider.
 
The bells would move out due to the wider center. You would have to shorten the bells. The spring hangers would be too wide apart without shortening the bells and the axles would be too short.
I have a 40 rear I want to put under a 32. I will make a weld jig off the 32 rear and re-do the spring hangers on the 40 bells. It will be a bit wider but no warping of the housing ends.
 
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28-31 Model A rears are...Model A rears....
Early 32 rears are basically Model A rears with different spring hangers. Internal parts are the same as Model A
Late 32 rears & 33 & 34 rears are basically the same except for the torque tube/driveshaft lengths depending on the application. All parts are unique to Late 32, 33-34
35-48 rears share the same center section and are the same internally. They differ in width(axle housings & axles) and torque tube/drive shaft length & spring hanger style depending on application.
I may have missed some finer points and hopefully someone will jump in. This should get you started.
 
There was an article a few years ago about Ford rear ends in Street Rodder mag. Very detailed.
Maybe someone here remembers it and where it might be found.
Sorry, that's all I can contribute.
Paul in CT
 
I found that article that was mentioned but unfortunately I cannot find it at this time. I'll find another way to do this particular project. Thanks.
 
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