A "banjo" rear end is a type of automotive differential housing—most famously associated with —named for its resemblance to the musical instrument. It features a center section with two axle tubes that flare out like horns, and unlike modern "salisbury" axles, it does not have a removable rear cover. Key Characteristics & Identification
These videos provide practical guides for identifying, rebuilding, and understanding the mechanics of early Ford banjo rear ends: Early Ford Banjo Rear For Beginners - Hot Rodding 101 YouTube · IronTrap Garage What you need to know about banjo-style rear ends YouTube · Dorman Products Banjo For Beginners - Omaha Coupe 1.9 YouTube · South Omaha Speed
: Features permanent radius bar mounts on the axle housing. bwhjo.rar
: While strong enough for stock 4-cylinder engines, they are often considered weaker than later "Salisbury" units when used in high-horsepower builds.
: The "tapered axle" design is a known weak point prone to breakage, and finding high-quality replacement parts can be difficult. A "banjo" rear end is a type of
: Many parts, such as ring and pinions, are interchangeable between the 1935 and 1940 eras, allowing for custom configurations. Common Limitations
: Radius bars are shorter and attached midway up the drive line tube. : While strong enough for stock 4-cylinder engines,
: The center section is a single unit that allows you to pull the entire internal carrier assembly out the front. Identification by Era :