Question about axle shaft length 1912 Runabout

[Distagon2]

I have run up against something that is puzzling me on my 1912 Runabout (pictured) which I am re-restoring. Trying to get everything mechanically "just right" before I put sheet metal back on. I went through the rear axle brakes and got them cleaned up and set right. Then when I went to put the wheels on, one side did not "go on all the way" as shown in the pictures. So I did some measurements and the side that fits correctly (the left side), the axle shaft protrudes about 3/16" further out of the axle housing then the right side (I might have the sides mixed up as I think about it nonetheless one shaft protrudes 3/16" out of the axle tube more than the other). On the right side, this results in the hub not fitting squarely around the brake shoes. What am I missing here? I thought all axles were the same, with the exception of the very early T's. Maybe something not set up right inside the rear axle? It is a 1912 axle. Maybe I am just exposing my ignorance, but hopefully someone could tell me what my issue is. I am starting to think this rear axle will wind up being pulled and gone through just like I did with the engine to make sure it is set up right.

[JTT3]

Did you take more off the bronze thrust washers on one side vs the other? Did you buy new axles? Is one hub worn more than the other?

[Distagon2]

John, I haven't been inside this rear axle as it had been rebuilt by the previous owner who was pretty fastidious about things, or so I always believed. Always a chance he could have done something incorrectly-we are all human, after all. Seems like it needs to be opened up and gone through. Hubs are in great condition nothing like that kind of wear. Axle shafts are original, based on the Ford script in the keyways.

[Adam]

One thing that can cause that is often overlooked; The inside of the differential carrier half that the axle shaft gear bears against is excessively worn and an extra (or thicker) fibre disc has been installed.

[speedytinc]

Switch the wheels. See if there is a big difference.

[Distagon2]

Swapped the wheels, no difference.

I have not been into the rear axle, assuming previous owner restored it properly. However, I think it worthwhile to unbutton it and see what's going on. For all I know, it has the babbitt thrust still in it. Something isn't right, and there is really only one way to find out what the problem is.

[Allan]

If I had built that rear axle and found the drums parked off the backing plates as they are, I would be delighted. It would indicate to me that the wheel hubs and axle tapers were hardly worn at all. It may indicate that one of the axles is a new longer one to compensate for wear. However, if it makes you feel more confident that all is right, now would be the time to split it and be re-assured.

Allan from down under.

[RajoRacer]

He posted that both axles are original w/Ford script in the keyways.

[Norman Kling]

What about end play? When the car is up on jack stands can you push and pull the axle in and out? Ordinarily this would be more likely on the left side because the ring gear is on that side and it would stop the carrier from moving toward the right. If everything turns smoothly and has no noticeable end play, I would leave it alone. I also agree with those who say try swapping the hubs from one side to the other and see if it still the same way.
Norm

[RGould1910]

What I see in the photos wouldnt bother me.

[Wayne Sheldon]

Definitely take it apart! Too many unknowns. You should not have that much measurable difference in how much the axle extends out from the housings. Although some measurable difference may be acceptable?
Make certain the thrust washers are bronze type. Make sure one of the axles isn't excessively worn. I suspect from your comments already that your hubs are good enough, but a closer look wouldn't hurt? And definitely make sure the gears and gear lash is properly set up and centered!
Better safe than sorry.

As for how they look in your photos? As long as I know the gears are set up correctly and properly centered? And as long as at that point they are tight on the axles and still turn freely? The photos look okay to me.

[TWrenn]

Swapped the wheels, no difference.

I have not been into the rear axle, assuming previous owner restored it properly. However, I think it worthwhile to unbutton it and see what's going on. For all I know, it has the babbitt thrust still in it. Something isn't right, and there is really only one way to find out what the problem is.

1912 differential SHOULD have bronze from the "get go"...however these cars never fail to surprise. That said, it still wouldn't hurt to open it up and peek in side. When I opened up my '12 axle to simply replace a leaking gasket at the pumpkin joint, I discovered the right inside bearing sleeve cracked! Wow what a shock that was. I had to assume I averted a potential disaster. I no longer have that particular car now anyway. Do your forensics! It won't hurt, and give ya something to do!