Drive Train Assembly Order

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mortier
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Drive Train Assembly Order

Post by mortier » Mon Aug 25, 2025 10:54 am

I have the engine, rear axle, and rear spring out of my T and ready for installation. Any idea for the best order of assembly? Photo shows rear spring going in, but I'm wondering if I should install the axle first.
IMG_1571.jpg
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Dan Hatch
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Re: Drive Train Assembly Order

Post by Dan Hatch » Mon Aug 25, 2025 11:10 am

Think the Service Manual has that information.
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jsaylor
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Re: Drive Train Assembly Order

Post by jsaylor » Mon Aug 25, 2025 12:46 pm

I always put the spring in first, being sure to center the square head center bolt into the frame. Then you can use the weight of the car and a small block of wood under the ends to help spread the shackles into the backing plates.
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AndyClary
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Re: Drive Train Assembly Order

Post by AndyClary » Mon Aug 25, 2025 3:48 pm

I agree with John on the rear spring going on first. It doesn’t make a lot of difference if you put the engine or rear end in first. I’ve always found it easier to stick the u-joint into the motor than to stick the motor to the u-joint.

Andy
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walber
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Re: Drive Train Assembly Order

Post by walber » Mon Aug 25, 2025 4:42 pm

Engine, rear spring, connect rear axle to transmission, then shackle axle to spring (using car weight & 2x4 blocks to spread spring).
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mortier
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Re: Drive Train Assembly Order

Post by mortier » Mon Aug 25, 2025 6:46 pm

Thanks. Hope to get it together this week.
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Allan
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Re: Drive Train Assembly Order

Post by Allan » Mon Aug 25, 2025 8:55 pm

Just leave tightening the rear spring U bolts till last. That way you have some control over how the car sits on the road.

Allan from down under.
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babychadwick
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Re: Drive Train Assembly Order

Post by babychadwick » Tue Aug 26, 2025 8:22 am

AndyClary wrote: ↑
Mon Aug 25, 2025 3:48 pm
 I agree with John on the rear spring going on first. It doesn’t make a lot of difference if you put the engine or rear end in first. I’ve always found it easier to stick the u-joint into the motor than to stick the motor to the u-joint.

Andy
I have found the opposite to be true, of course I am typically wheeling the rear end in and its rotating as you try to line it up. With the engine going in you can turn the crank to get the right alignment. However, last time I put the ruxtel in I was working on uneven gravel/dirt and it slid in perfectly on the first try!!! My son didn't understand why I was dancing but he will in the future....
"Those who fail to plan, plan to fail"
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Allan
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Re: Drive Train Assembly Order

Post by Allan » Tue Aug 26, 2025 8:29 am

I put the engine in last. Aligning the U joint square is a piece of cake if one rear wheel is jacked off the ground. My Stevens tool holds the square and it can easily be used to rotate it into alignment when the wheel is jacked.

Allan from down under.
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