VIDALIA, GA: Studebaker broke down, need Dana 44 rear left axle

[dcat917]

How was the rear end modified to fit? 2 short axle's? I'm wanting to do the same on my 51 Business coupe. I have a 65 Flanged axle rear end i'd like to use. Or should i just go with a 8" or 9" Ford rear end.

The modifications to the rear end of the Lark Dana 44 was to move the axle perches to line up with the leaf springs. The rear axle does not need to be modified. Not sure about the Flanged axle issue. Make sure you get the pumpkin centered and the pinion angle set correctly. The propeller shafts may need to be modified on the rear leg of the shaft for length issues. Mark Allan has my notes on this, contact him if you need more details and ask him to shoot you a copy of my diagram.

I talked to Mark today and he is looking to have the car shipped home, I am relieved.

[StudeRich]

Interesting info, but that leaves us wondering how you got the Tires to fit into the wheelwells.

We know the TRACK is narrower on '47-'52's than '53 and on, so did you use special reverse offset Wheels?

If Neil's '60 Hawk Axle fit, it has to be a '53 and Newer Rear End in a '51 Champion Business Coupe.
Just glad to hear that it did all work out well somehow, but still a bit confused.

[jclary]

The modifications to the rear end of the Lark Dana 44 was to move the axle perches to line up with the leaf springs. The rear axle does not need to be modified. Not sure about the Flanged axle issue. Make sure you get the pumpkin centered and the pinion angle set correctly. The propeller shafts may need to be modified on the rear leg of the shaft for length issues. Mark Allan has my notes on this, contact him if you need more details and ask him to shoot you a copy of my diagram.

I talked to Mark today and he is looking to have the car shipped home, I am relieved.

Interesting info, but that leaves us wondering how you got the Tires to fit into the wheelwells.

We know the TRACK is narrower on '47-'52's than '53 and on, so did you use special reverse offset Wheels?

If Neil's '60 Hawk Axle fit, it has to be a '53 and Newer Rear End in a '51 Champion Business Coupe.
Just glad to hear that it did all work out well somehow, but still a bit confused.

This explains the Rear End part...but perhaps Dave will come back and discuss the wheels.

[dcat917]

I got an email from Mark this week stating:

"David, I sent your licence plate today, you sould get it by Thursday. I put on 3917 miles on the Stude all together, It started missing real bad in Missori, changed the fuel filter and that fixed that problem. Ran trouble free the rest of the trip."

a happy ending thanks to you guys.

[rockinhawk]

Looks like the train ride didn't work out and he continued on with plan A! Glad to hear it went well.

[jclary]

Dave...Good to hear that the trip went this good! Think about the good fortune. That axle was an unseen lurking problem that could have broken just about anywhere. The fact that it happened where it did is a astounding. Not only did it occur near the beginning of a long trip, but in a way to offer our members an opportunity to rise and be part of the solution. Further, it validates the value of this forum and today's communication capabilities that made it possible to solve the issue in such a short time.

Although modified, this little Business Coupe just made an almost four-thousand mile journey with most mechanical components being 64 to 51 years old! That fact alone is great testimony that David Carter can conceive, and execute a custom restoration project as good as anyone! This Coupe has provided its new owner with an epic lifetime of memorable journey that few of us will ever achieve. I only wish there had been daily "updates" to share with us here. A great trip that tickles the imagination.

[warrlaw1]

Even back in the early 70s, when there were still plenty of Studes on the road, one would be hard pressed to find someone to work on it, let alone have the parts on hand. That is the biggest myth about Studes, today. Where will you ever find parts?. Proud to me a member of this club.