Looks like I need to have my Model T (so you guys don't get the wrong idea) rear end rebuilt. If anyone has a good used Ruckstell they would be willing to sell or one that can be rebuilt, please let me know.
Thank you and Happy motoring,
Warren
Warren Henderson:
You didn't say what year????
Dave my T is 1917, I tried to call you at 970-231-9312 but got some voice named Lenny ( I think ) and I left message. Hope that is the correct number, I got it off your ad in the classifieds.
Thanks, Warren
Warren, That is the correct number 970-2312-9312. I forgot to say that the backing plates are the early (small Plates} and would fit a 17 real well. That's one nice T by the way. The Ruckstell has the rear radius rods and torque tube. I used it to drive into town and back, it shifted smooth, easy and is quiet. I also bench tested it in the shop, and is was good to go!!!!
Be real careful about buying a Ruckstel for a good deal. If not a rebuilt unit, they do cost good $$ to rebuild. I got one from a running T that was said to be working well, only problem was a bent Ford side housing. The Ruckstel was bent but was able to be staitened. The differential showed a lot of wear and required $800 in replacement parts. I did all the work myself, but the $1200 Ruckstel cost almost as much as a new one at the time! Last one I bought was a rebuilt large drum unit at the Portland swap for $1600, much better deal
You can buy with confidence from Dave. If he says it's good to go, it is. You will really like having a Ruckstell, it will give you much more flexibility and give your low band a break.
Erik
On of the big problems with buying a rebuilt one is who did the rebuild, what were their standards and what was put in it??
Stan, same goes for engines. I don't think I've ever seen an engine for sale that wasn't "recently rebuilt". What this means is that it was taken apart, looked at and cleaned up a bit, put back together without spending any more money and then painted. All this by someone who had no clue what they were doing. Often, these engines rule pretty well, model T's being very tolerant of low information mechanics. With a rear end, it's much more important that it be done right given its importance to controlling the car.
Erik
Thank you Dave, Dale, Erik and Stan, for your useful comments. Does anyone have knowledge about the total weight for a complete Ruckstell, with the rest of the rear end?
Thanks in advance for all your help,
Warren
A Ruckstell adds about 20 lbs to the rear end.
I recommend going to a large drum Ruckstell with real emergency brakes. It will fit just fine. You will need radius rods to match. With a Ruckstell you need a real back up brake system in case the unit hits neutral. My experience is it can.
Thanks Stan & Ted, for the information, the forum is a great resource about Model Ts, because of members like you.
Happy motoring,
Warren
PS: now that Sambuca has been resting in the garage with an empty stall beside him, I think I may have another T in my future!