This has been discussed before. I realize their are some brake rod issues and I believe I have everything I need to complete the changeover.
My question is the length of the radius rods early versus late models. Can I simply use the late radius rods on the new rearend? It appears to be that simple but for some reason, I believe I have read where it is not that easy. Also, are there length differences in the drive shaft and tube from early to late? Can an early drive shaft be used on the 26/27 rearend? I know pinion and ring gear adjustments will be needed as usual.
Thanks
Tom
Here's a recent thread regarding the radius rods:http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/257047/313279.html?1348628123
You need the 26/27 radius rods on a 26/27 Ruckstell. The drive shaft can be earlier, but if earlier than 1920 the spool has a different design.
The large drum rear axle fits easily in the 24, you may have to shorten the brake rods. I made a small drum Ruckstell into a large drum Ruckstell so I would have real emergency brakes on my 24 touring. Roger is correct about the drive shaft and radius rods.
Tom,
The brake rod length will be the final 'now what' and can be worked out with trial and error. It's a bit of a pain in the butt and eventually gets you there.
I'll mention a trick I did one time that I'd definitely do again given the chance. Someone had put a 26/27 rear in a 24 and wound up with a rod too short so they just tied it up on that side. Not having a spare rod at the time and wanting to get it done, I cut the rod in the middle, threaded one end RH the other end LH and added a regular gate turnbuckle with a lock nut on the RH thread side. Made set-up an absolute breeze as there was nothing to undo and count turns and redo, and not pulling on the cam lever by accident in the process. FWIW
I have made a couple of sets myself using plain rod from the hardware store. Make a few bends to match the shape of the originals where they pass over the radius rods, cut to length, and thread both ends for a clevis.
'26-'27 brake rods had no bends. Radius rod lengths are the same but Ford introduced a "fixed" collar on the later style ('26-'27) style rods and did away with the lock washer and rear lock nut.
Thanks to all for the help. It is apparently as easy as I thought it was going to be. I always like it when a plan comes together without any surprises.