Quick Change Axle - Quick-Change Artist

Mounting the rear end of the torque rod higher on the axle improves the design's effectiveness. A bracket over the radius rod works but is inelegant. Since the rod's lateral location is not critical, Frank used the gear case bolts.

Mounting the leading end of the torque rod further forward on the radius rod improves the design's effectiveness. Frank used tie-rod ends, but they're unnecessary as the torque rod moves with the radius rod and axle.

Hot Rod Works offers a torque-rod kit. Factor in the cost of the seamless tubing, rod ends, a drill and taps, and brackets, and it's pretty clear that this kit's a bargain.

Ford's suspension from '08-48 pivoted from a single point (the driveshaft bell) and operated entirely bind free. Hot Rod Works offers a single-link kit, but instead of a ball at the end of a rigid driveshaft it uses a spherical rod end. The kit is for '35-and-later Fords, but the idea could be adapted to others.

The tank profile doesn't fit the Model A crossmember. To make it fit, Frank cut away the seam at the forward corners where it hit the crossmember. Since the cut extends beyond the weld he'll have to weld the flanges together.

Frank cycled the suspension with the tank mounted in the chassis. As it turns out, the bend in the tank top serves as a good edge for the cut. Frank cut the slot just a little bit wider than necessary for clearance sake.

Upon measuring the depth and width of the cut, Frank brake-bent a slice of 18-gauge steel. He then slipped it into the cut and traced the tank profile directly to the new piece.

Naturally the trimming is a cut-and-try affair. But with diligence and patience it's entirely possible to create a gap-free fit.

It isn't fully welded together, but the gist of the tank slot is obvious. It gives the extended gear case plenty of wiggle room as the rear axle articulates.