MTFCA Forum

I have read that if the Model T is pulled by its front axle, the wishbone ball socket can be pulled from the crankcase.

Those of you who have had your T pulled up onto a flatbed tow truck, where was the winch line attached to the car?

If I have to resort to a winch, I grab both sides of the perches at the spring or better yet, grab each frame corner on the early cars with no radiator valance.

Hopefully won't need the winch, but it's good to know what works for the Model T. We'll know in a few hours
Thanks Steve.

Dont know about a tow truck flat bed, but when I winch a T onto a trailer I hitch up the winch cable directly to the center of the front axle.

If the ball cap is properly tightened with the springs loaded to about 1/4" - 3/8" remaining uncompressed it will not pull out of the socket.

I use a short (2 - 3 foot) nylon choker around the front cross-member and front spring, right next to the starting crank. I pull 2700 lbs of loaded TT right up on the trailer with NO PROBLEM.

For the last six years I have loaded my Touring in a enclosed trailer with a winch attached to the right front axle as far outboard as possible. I believe pulling from the center risks bending the axle. So far, my wishbone ball remains fully ensconced in it's socket.

When I secure the T in a trailer I attach at four points - the outboard ends of the front and rear axle. I also chock the front right wheel front and back.

I'm sure others will disagree with me for various reasons but all I can say is that it has worked for me without any issues.

First choice - Hook to the frame on either side of the front motor mount.(pre diaper '24)
Second choice - Hook to BOTH sides of the front axle @ the spring perches with a tow strap or cable. pull @ the center.
Third choice - Hook to the axle on ONE side @ the perch.

Owning a flat bed tow truck I have found that the best and least damaging way is to use my hook bridle and wrap the real axle tubes with canvas fire hose and slowly pull the car up the ramp. If the rear wheels are seized I use boxed slide plates. Jack the car up and slide the boxed plates under the rear tires. Then slowly pull the car up the ramp, problem solved. I've seen my competitors pull A's and T's with a hook on the front axle and bend the axle outwards at the center. You would be surprised how easy a model t axle will bend
Just sayin'
frontyboy

Humblej wrote: ↑

Fri Oct 17, 2025 6:05 pm

Dont know about a tow truck flat bed, but when I winch a T onto a trailer I hitch up the winch cable directly to the center of the front axle.

If the ball cap is properly tightened with the springs loaded to about 1/4" - 3/8" remaining uncompressed it will not pull out of the socket.

The problem with that is you can bend the front axle. Better to pull from the perches.

There is no good reason to pull on the center of the front axle, and a lot of good reasons not to. There are several good reasons why the axle is designed the way it is. Don't defeat the good design by applying force to the axle that it is not designed to resist.