Changes in Rear Axle Radius Rods ??

[conaway2]

As I continue to work on rebuilding the rear axle, I noticed that the two radius rods are different. One has a forged fork that is welded to the radius rod; the other has what appears to be a stamped fork that seems to be pressed into the radius rod....

Can anyone enlighten me as to when these different parts were used ? I already know that the axle housings are from different years (28 and 29), but the radius rods may be, too.

Since the car is a 1930, a prior owner must have done some major rear axle repair work.

Thanks - Jim

[Mitch]

JIM
This page from the RG&JS shows the differences


Scan0394.jpg

[CarlR82A]

As I continue to work on rebuilding the rear axle, I noticed that the two radius rods are different. One has a forged fork that is welded to the radius rod; the other has what appears to be a stamped fork that seems to be pressed into the radius rod....

Can anyone enlighten me as to when these different parts were used ? I already know that the axle housings are from different years (28 and 29), but the radius rods may be, too.

Since the car is a 1930, a prior owner must have done some major rear axle repair work.

Thanks - Jim

Might want to check location of rear axle filler plug and other housings, not that important for operation but avoids comments.

[Great Lakes Greg]

Up here in the rust belt, it is common to find the two different styles on one car, arms that you can see through, and arms with strips of steel welded on for support. Seems like a good part for reproduction.

[Rowdy]

Next year some time I will have 7 or 8 sets for sale. Won't do you much good this year. Rod

[conaway2]

Thanks to all for your responses - all good information. Apparently I have one each of the lower two radius rods shown in Mitch’s post.

[conaway2]

JIM
This page from the RG&JS shows the differences


Scan0394.jpg

After reading this, I checked the filler plug on my banjo, and it’s offset, so later than mid-1930. The rear end of my car is a real hodge-lodge of parts from different years - no real issue since it’s a driver. However, it’s good to know this. As far as I know, I'm the 4th owner of the car - bought it in 1967, and really have no idea what its history was before, except that it was the Green Hornet mascot car for my high school in the 1950’s - even painted bright green then. I suspect it had a hard life in those years.

BTW - someone had used a pipe wrench on the differential drain plug at some point - it;s really been mauled, but will probably still work.

Jim

[Mitch]

After reading this, I checked the filler plug on my banjo, and it’s offset, so later than mid-1930. The rear end of my car is a real hodge-lodge of parts from different years - no real issue since it’s a driver. However, it’s good to know this. As far as I know, I'm the 4th owner of the car - bought it in 1967, and really have no idea what its history was before, except that it was the Green Hornet mascot car for my high school in the 1950’s - even painted bright green then. I suspect it had a hard life in those years.

BTW - someone had used a pipe wrench on the differential drain plug at some point - it;s really been mauled, but will probably still work.

Jim

It amazes me how many changes Henry made to these A's over a 4 year period. New tooling and dies, etc, etc just incredible
BTW, good move on your RG&JS purchase. It is way more than what most think.

[Ken Harvey]

Next year some time I will have 7 or 8 sets for sale. Won't do you much good this year. Rod

Hi Rowdy,
Do you still have any sets of the rear radius rods? I have a May 1929 60B.
Ken