Willie,
Do you see what I see?
Ken
Is that a wide track front axle? The space between the spring perch and spindle sure looks wide.
Now we know why so many T's had fender braces.
Ken,
Interesting question. The documentation we have indicates the wide track axles were no longer available after 1916. But the car in the photo is one of the earlier 1917s as it still has the equal length windshield hinges. As such it may have been assembled during calendar year 1916 as they introduced the black radiator cars around Aug 1916.
Below is photo of a wide track 60 inch T axle on top and a standard 56 inch axle on the bottom. Note the distance between the U-bolts that hold the front spring and front of the engine to the frame.
Above is the car in question with that distance between the U-bolts drawn from the spring perches towards the ends of the axle. Unfortunately the car in the photo is at a slight angle so that may impact the out come. But I think the car is a standard 56 inch front axle based on a comparison to the distance between the front “U-bolts.” On the passenger side (left side as we look at the photo) the distance appears to support the standard 56 inch tread axle. The other side is not as clear.
This is another one of those areas where a CAD of the front axle would allow you to view it at the same angle as the photo.
For additional information on wide track Ts see: http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/179374/200217.html?1301125170
Respectfully muddying up the water,
Hap l9l5 cut off