Can any one tell me what modifications are needed to get a Franklin front axle to work with T wire wheels?
I am thinking of building a three spring T speedster chassis. I have seen a number of speedsters using a Franklin front axle.
Thanks,
Tom
If you scroll down to Stan's post of June 13th n the Santa Clara speedster event thread and look at the picture of Ivan Jorgensen and his Grandmother sitting in his #11 speedster you will see a Franklin front axle.
The frame had to be lengthened a bunch to make it a two-spring front end.
Thanks, Aaron.
I know what they look like and can figure out the frame mods. I need info on adaptIng T spindles and/or T wire wheels.
the franklin spindles are set up for a drag link paralell to the frame rail, not cross steer like a t. so you will be looking at a different steering box to use also.
We have a Franklin front axle on our speedster with a three spring setup.
As previously mentioned, the Franklin front axle drag link is setup to be parallel to the frame. The drag link can fairly easily be setup to a cross steer by connecting it differently to the spindle arm. On our car we have a Franklin steering box and column.
The modifications that we had to make were as follows:
- The Franklin spindles are larger and will need to be machined down to fit Model T wheels/hubs. The Franklin spindles are larger and can simply me machined down.
- If you want to run two front springs, the Franklin spring perches do not align with the Model T frame. In our case we removed the existing rivets, split the perches, and re attached them to the axle. If you want to run the single front spring, you can simply remove the Franklin spring perches and attach a set of Model T perches.
Here is a photo of our setup during construction:
What would be the advantage of this?
Looks cool and the Franklin gear is an upgrade.
Thanks, Ivan. This is just the info I needed.
Kep, my speedster goes very fast. I want improved steering and handling to match. The Franklin axle and two spring set up will go all long towards this goal. This is a period correct modification and looks cool like Andy said.
Tom
The principle reason and advantage of the two spring front axle is that the steering is NOT affected by the body moving sideways on the front axle U-joints, which adversely effects the steering, especially at speed. While this system works well, Joel Young installed a Panhard Rod between one side of the front and the chassis. This prevents the axle moving sideways and he used all model T parts.
It IS a period correct modification, it does improve the steering and handling, especially at speed in a fast car. It does also look great. Some nut cases like me care about keeping vintage speedsters mostly correct for their vintage.
I know of a couple of Ts that have them, but the Jorgensen's is the only one I know well and that is driven much. I was hoping one of that wonderful family would post good pictures of it.
Thank you, Ivan. Again.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2