MTFCA Forum

I'm trying to assemble an early Ruckstell (closed spool) but have a perfect later driveshaft with a perfect sleeve and the three piece thrust bearing set-up. Can I use these later thrust bearing parts with the closed spool? I also have both styles of driveshaft housings , one with a flat flange and one with a stepped flange and am assuming that the stepped flange goes with the early closed spool . I would also consider trading this early Ruckstell (housing only) for a '27-'27 style.

You can put a late spool to an early housing, but not the other way around.

Thanks Larry; I already have the early housing and early spool but want to use the late thrust bearing (three piece) instead of the 15 ball race,retainer, and distance plate. I don't have any of the early thrust bearing pieces but do have a perfect later thrust bearing assembly and sleeve already mounted on an excellent driveshaft. My next obvious choice is John's (fun projects) mod. Thanks again.

yes you can.

Thanks Dan. That's what I needed to hear. Confirmation either way works. Bruce

I sent you an email

What year is your car? The 26-27 used a different backing plate and brake drum. If your car is earlier or has earlier wheels on it, you would need to change the brake drums with a 26-27 Ruckstell. Whichever way you go, you would need a set of matching parts to make everything work correctly. Even the parking brake rosds are different for the earlier cars than for the 26-27. And, if you have auxiliary brakes, you need the ones which are made for the correct wheels to fit your axle. So I guess, you need to choose according to at least two categories: 1. Do you want to have the car authentic for the year. 2: How much would it cost to make the changes needed to make the set work. Otherwise, I can't answer whether the closed spool and open spool are interchangeable. If they are, you would also need to know whether studs and bolts are interchangeable and if not, do you have a source of the correct parts.
Good luck. A Ruckstell is a good improvement to have in a T. Especially if you live in hilly or mountainous country.
Norm