[Jackyl]

Is there any way to convert a closed drive shaft, like on the older 40 cars into an open shaft? I was thinking about reusing the rear axle that I currently have on my 41 rather than swap it out and replace the complete suspension. I did buy the kit to do a complete swap, but I was curious if it could be done.
Thanks
Steve

[willys36@aol.com]

They make after-market conver$ion kits but they cost the national mint. Find the rear end from an early Ford pickup. Identical to the passenger car rear but with a modern type open drive line. Yoou will need to find a tranny to match but that shouldn't be too hard.

[Frisco]

Speedway Motors offers a kit to convert to open driveline. Willys36 is also correct that an early ('40-'48 Ford truck) banjo also has the open driveline. The only consideration that I see is what engine you intend to use. Much more than a mild smallblock and the early Ford rear will be toast.

[willys36@aol.com]

[quote]Originally posted by Frisco:
<strong>Speedway Motors offers a kit to convert to open driveline. Willys36 is also correct that an early ('40-'48 Ford truck) banjo also has the open driveline. The only consideration that I see is what engine you intend to use. Much more than a mild smallblock and the early Ford rear will be toast.</strong><hr></blockquote>

My high school buddy and Best Man in my wedding had a '40 Ford pickup w/a hot 289 engine, stock '40 Ford banjo rear and HUGE real Indy car rear tires. Things had to be 15" wide - doesn't sound big now but realize this was back in the '60s. He spent about a weekend per month replacing twisted off axle shafts!