This summer I'm trying to replace the rear axle with a rebuilt Ruckstell. It's going slow because I'm not experienced working on my Model Ts, but I'm learning fast. The biggest problem is it's not just a rear end swap, I keep finding other things that need to be repaired or replaced and parts are hard to come by. Right now I'm waiting on the bolt that holds the rear spring in place.
Happy motoring,
Warren
Warren,
One problem you may be having is that the rear end goes behind your hack not in front!
This may help you speed things up a bit.
The Ruckstell is upside down. If you install it that way your low and high will be in reverse and the reverse will go forward!
Norm
When you put it back together leave the shackle bolts with the nuts loosely installed. Attack the spring and shackle on one side, then jack up the rear axle assembly with 2 x 4 block between the axle tube and the spring loose end. When you can slip the other shackle together. Tighten up the spring mounting bolts and cotter key them.
i wouldn't attack any thing, model T's are very sensitive, it may fight you back !
Thank you all for this invaluable information, I do enjoy reading the forum and all the good humor that it provides. Dennis I can't tell you how many hours I have tried to slide the Ruckstell under the front axle. Norman maybe I should not have bought that Ruckstell from a man in Austrailia. Clayton that is good advice, which I will try to fallow. Ted, thank you for that tip, it is the one that I will pay the most attention to. I am disappointed that my good friend and neighbor Fred Dimock in Newfields, NH has not added some timely wisdom to this conversation.
Dr. Warren
"I didn't sleep in a Holiday Inn last night, but I do drive a 1926 Model T Ford Doctors Coupe"