My friend has 5 model T's 1926. We noticed yesterday that the rear end we were working on had 6 studs with nuts to connect the drive shaft to the rear end pumpkin. All his other {4} T's use 6 bolts. This is an early 26. When did they go to Bolts
The MTFCI Judging Guidelines book says that change was made in mid-1919.
The bolts were introduced about 1920 with the so called "open" shaft pinion spool. The studs work just fine. Be sure to use safety wire on either studs or bolts.
will the studs be considered Period correct for a 26? I have a couple sets of original bolts.
No, the studs were never used by Ford after 1919 model year.
I think it's odd Ford never drilled the 1920-27 bolts for safety wire. Were the studs drilled?
I think most have used the bolts without wiring them over the years - has anybody here seen bolts that have loosened up in service if they were properly tightened when assembled?
Ok, lock washers should probably be used - were Ford using them?
Another variance is the bolt head dimension - I think earlier bolts were 5/8 and hard to reach with many tools, the later ones 9/16 and easier to reach. Don't know when it was changed, any observations?
the studs are not drilled for wire and neither are the (2) sets of original bolts I have. There are no washers under the heads of the nuts presently. Since I am after a period correct car, I believe drilling the heads of the bolts for wire might be a reason for this forum to read me the riot act. Some of you guys and girls can be ruthless. LOL I will point out that one of the nuts on top looks like it has backed off about 1/16. Bob
the studs are not drilled for wire and neither are the (2) sets of original bolts I have. There are no washers under the heads of the nuts presently. Since I am after a period correct car, I believe drilling the heads of the bolts for wire might be a reason for this forum to read me the riot act. Some of you guys and girls can be ruthless. LOL I will point out that one of the nuts on top looks like it has backed off about 1/16. Bob
Roger
Yes on lock washers, when Ford changed from studs with safety wire on the castle nuts, to hex bolts, those hex bolts got lock washers {Para.621(b) Ford Service}
With so many bolts, was safe enough with each having lock washers.
Copper tag on axle housing is noted 'BW' and year. Bronze Washer.....note for later owner!
1920 and earlier. Studs have holes in only one end. Castle nuts, wired.
On assembly, really prefer the later design with bolts, sure is much easier to align the torque tube without those studs sticking out, trying to get the tube on the housing and keeping those paper gaskets needed for adj. from tearing at the holes for those dang studs!
So why did Ford use studs without holes? And without holes, why did they use castle nuts without lock washers?
Steve -- The studs had holes in them for castle nuts and wire. The ones Bob encountered must have been from something else originally.
The bolts use a lock washer, and you must find a metric one that will fit. The original bolts had a 5/8 hex, but they changed that to 9/16 in 1925 to make it easier to use a socket wrench on.
I could have looked at some studs myself, if I'd known where I put them.
Larry, Why a metric lock washer????
Aren't the threads for those bolts a not so common type?
I bought some from a guy who had a bunch at Chickasha on the last day as I was leaving. Seems like I gave 3.00 for those and some other T bolts.
They were all in good greasy shape.
Originally, Ford used 3/8 inch diameter studs to attach the driveshaft housing to the rear axle housing. In 1910 they found that 3/8 was too small, and that 7/16 was too large. So they split the difference and changed to 13/32 inch studs, and after 1920 bolts. On a 13/32 bolt, a 3/8 inch diameter lock washer is too small, and a 7/16 diameter lock washer is to big. What Larry Smith is saying is that you can find a metric lock washer that is close to 13/32 in diameter, and that you should use these under the bolt heads.
Respectfully submitted,
Trent Boggess
First I heard Ford used lock washers under the bolt heads. I've seen a lot of rear ends but never lock washers.
Just read Dan's reference. I stand corrected.
10 mm lock washers work good on these bolts.
I thought the bolts were a little different (13/32). Not real common.
Snyders gets 4.35 each for the USA bolts. They call them step bolts.