Is it possible to convert a 1925 (or earlier) small drum rear end to a large drum rear end like is used on the 26 and 27 Ts? If it is possible, what needs to be done? Thanks for replies and help. Regards, Joe
You'll need at least the axle housings, radius rods, brake rods, brake drums and brake shoes from a 1926/27. The drive shaft parts and the axle innards should fit in both type axle housings (when we're talking mid 20's axles)
Most times if an axle hasn't been overhauled for many years a lot of new parts are needed - if you're lucky you'll need only bronze thrust washers, neoprene seals inside the outer bearing, gaskets/outer felt rings and outer bearing races - but it's likely you'll also need better/new axle shafts, ring gear and pinion +++ more too..
You will need the spring perches too. Just about the only parts you can keep are the driveshaft and the differential and axles. Everything else is going to have to be changed.
Joe -- If you can find a big-drum rear end complete with all the above-mentioned parts on it, all you'll need to do is swap out the rear ends. If you want to keep your '25 wheels, you'll need the six-hole brake drums with it.
My '24 coupe had a large drum rear end and brakes when I got it. I do not plan to change it (besides, the extra brakes are kind of nice in the hilly area where I live). It is not objectionable to me, and I like my cars mostly era correct. When I get to pre-'20, then I prefer to stay small drum. But that is me. My coupe also has the correct 30X3.5 wheels and tires on it (except for having the large drums on them).
You would not want to modify the earlier housings to use the later brakes. Just get a whole rear end or the necessary parts and make the change.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2
I modified a small drum Ruckstell into a large drum unit. If its not a Ruckstell, then as others recommended, get a complete large drum rear end, or housings, brake shoes, and drums to modify yours.
Joe,
I am currently in process of doing just this. All above that was said is true. If your going to do it, try to find a whole assembly from a car. This is what I did. Unfortunately, I did find out upon disassembling the rear that it needed A LOT. But, I also used the opportunity to build it hopefully one time---or at least for a long time. New axles, a Fun Projects pinion bearing, 4 new axle bearing sleeves, and along with a host of small parts will hopefully keep me going for a long time.
I am doing the swap mostly as a function over form--I want the extra braking power if needed. Most people that will see the car will never know the difference anyhow. I say do the swap. Good luck!
Thanks to all for the interest and replies. What I have is this: A May 1926 Fordor that has a small drum rearend on it. I don't know if any of the small drums were still being used on the early 1926 cars or if someone changed this many years ago. The car is a survivor and has not been assembled from parts but who knows what repairs were made 70 or so years ago... I thought that since the rearend is installed in the car that all that would be necessary is to change the backing plates, shoes, and drums. Do you suppose that someone years ago took an entire earlier rearend and just switched out the whole assembly? Again, thanks to all for the interest and replies.
Joe -- You can't change the backing plates. The big-drum ones are removable from the rear end housings, but the earlier ones are not. Also, the brake rods, perches, etc, are different. Chances are that someone swapped out the complete rear end as a unit, because that would be the easy way to do it. My recommendation is that you do the same thing.
There is good evidence that some late 1925 sedans came with large drum rear brakes. It would be very unlikely that a mid 1926 would have come with a small drum rear originally. The large drum rear is less common than the small drum and a bit more desirable (not to me, but a lot of people). You may have to pay a bit more for a good one, but it would be well worth it (especially since it is the correct one for your car). Just changing the backing plates is not that simple. I know, I have done it on early stuff.
Good luck!
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2
I have kept an extra large drum rear end as a spare for my 26 Touring car so I suppose that I will just refurbish it and find another spare. Again, thanks for all the replies and help.