Suspension and wheels Ford Model T

the suspension components of ford model t: coil-spring device aftermarket accessory, hassler shock absorber .

model t suspension employed transversely mounted semi-elliptical spring each of front , rear beam axles allowed great deal of wheel movement cope dirt roads of time.

the front axle drop forged single piece of vanadium steel. ford twisted many axles through 8 full rotations (2880 degrees) , sent them dealers put on display demonstrate superiority. model t did not have modern service brake. right foot pedal applied band around drum in transmission, stopping rear wheels turning. mentioned parking brake lever operated band brakes acting on inside of rear brake drums, integral part of rear wheel hubs. optional brakes acted on outside of brake drums available aftermarket suppliers.

wheels wooden artillery wheels, steel welded-spoke wheels available in 1926 , 1927.

tires pneumatic clincher type, 30 in (76 cm) in diameter, 3.5 in (8.9 cm) wide in rear, 3 in (7.6 cm) in front. clinchers needed higher pressure today s tires, typically 60 psi (410 kpa), prevent them leaving rim @ speed. horseshoe nails on roads, high pressure, made flat tires common problem.

balloon tires became available in 1925. 21 in × 4.5 in (53 cm × 11 cm) around. balloon tires closer in design today s tires, steel wires reinforcing tire bead, making lower pressure possible – typically 35 psi (240 kpa) – giving softer ride. old nomenclature tire size changed measuring outer diameter measuring rim diameter 21 in (530 mm) (rim diameter) × 4.5 in (110 mm) (tire width) wheels has same outer diameter 30 in (76 cm) clincher tires. tires in time period used inner tube hold pressurized air; tubeless tires not in use until later.

wheelbase 100 inches (254 cm) , standard tread width 56 in (142 cm); 60 in (152 cm) tread obtained on special order, southern roads , identical pre-civil war track gauge many railroads in former confederacy.