Jean Meslier
a great video. The frame was just carbon steel, but the rear axle was "chisel steel" a vanadium alloy. In those days, all cars broke rear axles.The cold chisels were made of vanadium steel and didn't break, the heads just mushroomed.
Probably the most expensive part of the car, but Ford cars didn't break rear axles. That was a huge part of the Model T's success. As late as the 1960s, many rural mail carriers in Texas kept a Model A or Model T to drive on the un-paved roads in bad weather Mud, ice, or snow didn't stop
the mail. One part of the Selden patent was for the wishbone configuration of the steering axle. The wishbone ends fastened to the front axle at the wheel and the frame under the transmission. This allowed the front wheel axle to remain in position and to flex up and down at the wheels.
Ford used this system on trucks until the 1970s.
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It is widely known that today's 9 inch Ford rear end is indestructable.
and is even used in NASCAR Chevrolets....
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