We are currently trying to put a '12 rear end together, and finding that the wheels lock up tight when the wheel nuts are tightened, then I read in a recent Vintage Ford article about 1912 rear axles housings being 5/16 longer than later ones, and that if later hubs were used, they would need to be machined to clear the axle seals.
Was there an obvious difference in '12 hubs? Or does anyone have the details of what machining would he necessary if using later hubs?
1912 rear hubs
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DanTreace
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Re: 1912 rear hubs
One difference is the early housing has the dimple hole for the bearing sleeve further back, later housing has dimple hole approx. 1/2" back from the housing end. That requires a different bearing sleeve, otherwise the later sleeve will stick out from the housing.
Maybe trimming off the excess sleeve to be flush with the housing end would help. With long sleeve, the grease cap will be too far out and can keep the wheel hub from seating.
Or, the wheel hub taper is well worn, and allows the hub to slide too far in on the axle shaft, which also could have a worn undersized taper. New axles can be had with a 1/16" longer taper to compensate for hub wear.
Maybe trimming off the excess sleeve to be flush with the housing end would help. With long sleeve, the grease cap will be too far out and can keep the wheel hub from seating.
Or, the wheel hub taper is well worn, and allows the hub to slide too far in on the axle shaft, which also could have a worn undersized taper. New axles can be had with a 1/16" longer taper to compensate for hub wear.
The best way is always the simplest. The attics of the world are cluttered up with complicated failures. Henry Ford
Don’t find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain. Henry Ford
Don’t find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain. Henry Ford
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SurfCityGene
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Re: 1912 rear hubs
Except you already have the rear dif completely assembled you can easily widen the keeper slot at the gear end of the axle and install a thicker spacer. This extends it out about 1/4" and is what lots of guys do to get a bit more clearance at the hub.
Worked great for me!
Worked great for me!
1912 Torpedo Roadster
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Jerry VanOoteghem
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Re: 1912 rear hubs
Before you go changing anything, find out just where the interference is occurring. Look for rub marks on the hub or axle seal or ??? and address the issue from there. If you find no evidence of interference, try giving everything a very light coat of spray paint, reassemble until it gets snug, move things around a bit, then disassemble and look for rubbed off paint in the trouble spots.