Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Les Foster]

Dear Rustrecks (N.Z.): The object of my article was to help source E83W parts from within the U.S domestic Ford line. I wasn't thinking of modifying an E83W component using domestic Ford parts- the part numbers wouldn't really help much.
However, having had my E83W rear axle rebuilt last year by a specialist in US/Canadian Fords of the 1930's, I can say that the crown gear for the domestic Fords of the 30's is virtually identical to the Thames except in the number of teeth. I believe, though, that there was some sort of difference in the way the pinion gear was mounted. I remember that the specialist was impressed by the quality of machining and material of the British product compared to the domestic Ford. I do not think that these parts would be directly interchangeable. The US Ford uses the same rear wheel bearings/seals/axle end sleeve kits though. Maybe it could be done using parts of the domestic Ford axle housing, etc. as well. I don't know- I'm NOT a mechanic!
I will say that the acceleration of an E83W is so glacially slow with the 6.83:1 axle ratio that I would hesitate to raise the ratio! I'm not sure top speed would be that much better.
One of the other British Columbia, Canada E83W owners, "Jerry", whose under-restoration van can be seen in the E83W registry on this website (E83W.co.uk) modified a Ford Model 'A' axle in this manner. Nigel Hilling, the Specials Registrar for the Ford Sidevalve Owners Club told me that a couple of sets of higher-ratio custom-made crown and pinion sets for E83W axles are still available. These were made for use in Ford specials and trials cars which often use the stronger E83W axle modified to fit an Anglia or Popular chassis . If anyone is interested in hese two ideas they can email me at leswfoster@hotmail.com and I can contact the people for you. -Les Foster, Canada

[rustyreks]

Les thanks for advice on the fordson rear axle any guidance is appreciated i certainly am interested on any new info that comes to light especially from those who have had success with the diff modification.Am sure others would like to know as well rustyreks.

[R.J.Law]

In past years I remember a Fordson pickup at the Ford Garage I worked at, it was going top speed about 50 mph down hill with a tail wind, also screaming like a bandshee, The steering boxes were always a problem, mine has a cast iron housing, as memtioned I have been looking to fit a Austin Box as a friend has already done with great inprovment in the steering.There is also here in N.Z. a Fordson fitted with a overdrive unit out of a Triumph 2000 English Car.Fitted in the torque tube.