1937-1937 Hudson

MODEL IDENTIFICATION 

SERIAL NUMBER: First No. 101 (1937), 101 (1938) 

with prefix indicating model (74-, 75-, 76-, 77- for 

1937; 84-, 85-, 87- for 1938). Stamped on plate on right 

front door hinge pillar post. 

ENGINE NUMBER: First No. 18000 (1937-All 

Models), 101 (1938 with prefix indicating model 84-, 

85-, 87-). Stamped on left side of engine block near 

front end or on top of block between #1 and #2 exhaust 

manifold flanges. 

TUNE-UP 

COMPRESSION: - Ratio-6.25-1 cast-iron head. No 

optional ratios. 

Pressure - 103 lbs. at 170 RPM. Check with all plugs 

removed, crank engine with wide open throttle. 

VACUUM READING:-18-20" steady reading with 

engine idling at 350 RPM or 7 MPH. 

FIRING ORDER: 1-6-2-5.-8-3-7-4. See diagram. 

SPARK PLUGS: Champion Type J-8A. 14 mm. Metric. 

Gaps - .032" 

IGNITION: See Coil, Condenser, and Distributor. 

Breaker Gap - .017" Cam Angle 31, (closed). 

Automatic Advance - 17.5º max. at 1700 RPM (distr.). 

IGNITION TIMING: See Ignition Timing. 

Std. Setting - At TDC. Flywheel mark "UDC. 1-8/" at 

indicator in left front face of housing. 

CARBURETION: See Carburetor & Carb. Equipment. 

Idle Setting-Both idle screws 1/4-3/4 turn open. Idle 

speed 7 MPH. 

Accelerating Pump - Inner hole Warm Temperatures. 

Outer hole - Cold Temperatures. 

Float Level - 15/64" from gasket seat on cover to top of 

float (not soldered seam). Invert to check. 

Fuel Pump Pressure: 4½ lbs. maximum. 

MANIFOLD HEAT CONTROL:- Thermostatic coil 

type. Located within manifold housing behind 

carburetor. No adjustment required. 

VALVES: See Valve Timing. Tappet Clearance - .006" 

Int., .008" Exh. Hot. 

STARTING: See Battery, Starter, Generator, Regulator. 

IGNITION 

IGNITION SWITCH: Mitchellock Model 24-B, Type 

7063 (1937), 7642 (1938). Connected to coil by 

armored cable. 

Ignition Lock - Briggs & Stratton, Mitchell No. 6095. 

B&S No. 50184. Key Series - H601-H1100. 

COIL: Auto-Lite Model CE-4625 (1937), CE-4629 

(1938). Service Coil (less Switch & Cable) CE-3224JS. 

Ignition Current - 2.5 amperes idling, 4.5 stopped. 

CONDENSER: Auto-Lite Part No. IG-2671. Capacity- 

.20-.25 microfarad. 

1937-1937 Hudson 

(1937) Models 74, 75, 76,77 

(1938) Models 84, 85, 87 

Tune-up Specifications 

DISTRIBUTOR. Auto-Lite Model IGP-4008-A. Single 

breaker, 8 lobe cam, full automatic advance type. 

Breaker Gap - Set at .017". 

Cam Angle or Dwell - 31º closed, 14º open (distr.). 

Breaker Arm Spring Tension-18-20 ounces. 

Rotation - Clockwise viewed from top. 

Automatic Advance 

Distributor 

Engine 

Degrees R.P.M. Degrees R.P.M. 

Start 300 0 600 

3.0 400 6.0 800 

8.5 900 17.0 1800 

13.0 1300 26.0 2600 

17.5 1700 35.0 3400 

Distributor Removal. - Mounted on right side of 

engine. To remove, take out hold-down screw in 

advance arm, lift off. 

Fuel Compensator - Provides manual adjustment at 

distributor for octane rating of fuel used. See Fuel 

Compensator Setting (following). 

IGNITION TIMING 

IGNITION TIMING: - Initial Setting as shown. See 

Fuel Compensator Setting following. 

Flywheel Degrees Piston Position 

All engines 0º TDC .000" TDC. 

To Set Timing - With # 1 piston on compression, turn 

engine over until flywheel mark 'UDC.1-8/' lines up 

with pointer in left front face of flywheel housing. 

Loosen hold-down screw in advance arm, rotate 

distributor clockwise to limit of slot, then slowly rotate 

distributor counter-clockwise until contacts begin to 

open, tighten hold-down screw. 

To Set Timing (Using Synchroscope) - Clip lead to #8 

spark plug fill in timing mark with white chalk and 

direct light on flywheel through hole in housing. 

Fuel Compensator Setting - Road test car and note 

performance when accelerating from 10-15 M.P.H. with 

wide open throttle on level road (engine must be warm). 

Slight spark knock should be evident. Adjust by 

loosening hold-down screw and rotating distributor one 

graduation on scale counter-clockwise (if no knock), 

clockwise (if knock to severe). Repeat test. Final 

setting must not be advanced beyond ¾” before 

‘UDC.1-8/’ mark on flywheel. 

CARBURETOR 

Carter Model WDO, Type 344-S & 377-S (1937), 

402-S (1938). 1” Dual (double barrel), downdraft type 

with automatic choke. 

Idle Adjustment - Engine must be warm so that fast 

idle and automatic choke control inoperative. Set

Carburetor (Cont’d) 

throttle lever stop screw so that idling speed is 7 MPH. Turn 

each idle adjusting screw, in succession in until engine 

begins to miss, then slowly out until engine fires smoothly. 

Final setting should be Y4-3/4 turn out from inner seated 

position and screws must be adjusted equally so that engine 

fires smoothly on all cylinders. Readjust throttle stop screw 

if necessary. 

Accelerating Pump Setting - Adjustable for minimum and 

maximum stroke as follows: 

Short stroke (inner hole) - Hot temperatures. Long stroke 

(outer hole) - Cold temperatures. 

CARBURETOR EQUIPMENT 

Fast Idle: Integral with carburetor. 

Setting - .018" throttle opening with choke valve closed 

Air Cleaner: - AC. #1528161 (std.), #1528160 (with Electric 

Hand) oil-wetted type. United (oil-bath type) optional. Fuel 

Pump: - AC. Type AK #1523289 (LHD), #1523313 (RHD), 

diaphragm type, standard. Type AB #1523290 (LHD), 

#1523314 (RHD), combination Fuel-and-vacuum pump 

optional. 

Gasoline Gauge: King-Seeley Electric type. K-S No.. 

Dash Unit – No. 6190 (1937 – Black dial, early cars), 6570 

(1937 – Tan dial, Later cars), 6756 (1938) 

Tank Unit – No. 5835 (1937, 1938) 

- 2 -

BATTERY 

National, Type ST-319X (1937), HT-19 (1938 Orig. 

Equip.), L-19-2F (1938 Replacement). 6 volt, 19 plate, 108 

ampere hour (ST-319X), 115 ampere hour (HT-19 & L- 

19-2F) capacity (20 hour rate). 

Starting Capacity - 135 amperes for 20 minutes. 

Zero Capacity - 300 amperes for 4.3 minutes. 

Grounded Terminal - Positive (+) terminal. Grounded to 

left front fender support bracket. Engine grounded to frame 

by ground strap at bell housing. 

Dimensions - Length 11-¾", Width 7¼". Height 7-15/16". 

Location - In left front fender under hood. Accessible 

from engine compartment by taking out 3 slotted screws in 

cover flange (2 top, 1 rear) and removing cover. 

STARTER 

Auto-Lite Model MAB-4075. Armature MAB-2113. Drive- 

Inboard Barrel Type Bendix No. A-1673. 

Rotation-Counter - clockwise at commutator end. 

Brush Spring Tension-42-53 ozs. (new brushes). Cranking 

Engine - 150 R.P.M., 120-125 amperes, 5 v. 

Performance Data 

Torque R.P.M. Volts Amperes 

0 ft. lbs . 3700 5.5 60 

.6 1 “ “ 1910 5.5 100 

3.4 “ “ 1100 5.0 200 

6.6 “ “ 695 4.5 300 

10.15 “ “ 420 4.0 400 

15.8 “ “ Lock 3 582 

22.5 “ “ 44 Lock 4 775 

NOTE - Lock torque figures correct without switch. 

- 3 -

Starter (Cont’d) 

Removal: - Starter flange mounted on left front face of 

flywheel housing. To remove, take out flange 

mounting screws. 

Starting Switch: - Type SS-4001. Magnetic solenoid 

type mounted on starter. Controlled by pushbutton on 

instrument board (RBM Model 1815). Operative only 

with ignition on (and clutch disengaged on cars with 

Electric Hand). 

Switch Specifications 

Closes with terminal voltage of 4.0 volts or less. 

Remains closed until voltage drops to .75-2.0 volts. 

Current draw, 3 amperes at 6.0 volts. 

GENERATOR 

MODELS 74, 75, 76, 77 

Auto-Lite Model GCJ-4803A. Armature No. 

GCJ-2006. Third brush control type with external 

voltage regulation. Ventilated by fan on drive pulley. 

Maximum Charging Rate-25 amperes (cold), 22 

amperes (hot), 8.0 volts, 2500 R.P.M. Actual 

charging rate controlled by Voltage Regulator and 

dependent on battery condition. 

Charging Rate Adjustment - Maximum output 

controlled by third brush. Do not adjust third brush for 

output greater than shown in table below (with field 

terminal grounded to render regulator inoperative). 

Actual charging rate controlled by regulator setting. 

See Regulator Section below. 

Cold Performance Data Hot 

Amperes Volts R.P.M. Amperes Volts R.P.M. 

0 6.4 760 0 6.4 850 

4 6.65 920 4 6.7 1020 

8 6.9 1080 8 7.0 1240 

12 7.2 1240 12 7.3 1400 

16 7.45 1400 16 7.6 1650 

20 7.7 1580 20 7.9 2100 

25 8.0 2500 22 8.0 2700 

Rotation - Counter-clockwise at commutator end. 

Brush Spring Tension - 53 ozs. max. (new brushes). 

Field Current - 1.9-2.1 amperes at 6.0 volts. 

Motoring Current - 4.0-4.4 amperes at 6.0 volts. 

Removal: - Generator pivot mounted at left front of 

engine with fan belt drive. To remove, take out clamp 

bolt and two pivot bolts. 

Belt Adjustment: - Loosen clamp bolt and pivot bolts, 

swing generator out until slack in belt midway between 

generator and fan pulleys is ¾-1¼" (measured 

from straightedge across pulleys). 

GENERATOR 

MODELS 84, 85, 87 

Auto-Lite Model GDF-4802A. Armature No. 

GDF2006. Third brush control type with external 

voltage regulation. Ventilated by fan on drive pulley. 

Maximum Charging Rate - 32.0 amperes (cold), 29.5 

amperes (hot), 8.0 volts, 3100 R.P.M., 30-35 M.P.H. 

Actual charging rate controlled by Voltage Regulator 

and dependent on battery condition. 

Charging Rate Adjustment - Maximum output 

controlled by third brush. Do not adjust third brush for 

out put greater than shown in table below (with 

field terminal grounded to render regulator 

inoperative). See Regulator Section below. 

NOTE - Standard third brush setting 21/8 commutator 

bars from nearest main brush. 

Performance Data 

Cold 

Hot 

Amperes Volts R.P.M. Amperes Volts R.P.M. 

0 6.4 920 0 6.4 1000 

4 6.6 1030 4 6.6 1140 

8 6.8 1140 8 6.85 1280 

12 7.0 1300 12 7.1 1440 

16 7.25 1460 16 7.3 1640 

20 7.45 1650 20 7.55 1840 

24 7.65 1880 24 7.75 2220 

28 7.9 2220 28.2 8.0 3200 

32 8.0 3100 

Rotation - Counter-clockwise at commutator end. 

Brush Spring Tension - 53 ozs. max. (new brushes). 

Field Current - 1.90-2.10 amperes at 6.0 volts. 

Motoring Current - 5.3-5.9 amperes at 6.0 volts. 

Removal: - Generator pivot mounted at left front of 

engine with fan belt drive.. To remove, take out clamp 

bolt and two pivot bolts. 

Belt Adjustment: - Loosen clamp bolt and pivot bolts, 

swing generator out until slack in belt midway between 

generator and fan pulleys is ¾" (measured with 

straight edge across pulleys). 

REGULATOR 

- 4 - 

Auto-Lite Model VRD-4003A, 4003B (GCJ-4803A 

Gen.), VRD-4008A (GDF-4802A Gen.) . Voltage 

Type. Cutout Relay and vibrating type Voltage 

Regulator in case on dash. Cutout Relay has extra set 

of ground contacts for generator charge signal control. 

NOTE - Regulator case cover is sealed. Serviced on 

exchange basis If seals not broken. Cover must be 

removed to make adjustments. 

Cutout Relay 

Cuts In - 6.4-7.0 volts Cold. Approx. 10 MPH. 

Cuts Out - L.5-3.0 ampere discharge (Before Serial 

No. 2T-000001), 1.5-4.5 amperes (After 2T-000001). 

Contact Gap - .015- minimum (with ground contacts 

closed-ground contacts must be open with main 

contacts closed). 

Air Gap - .0340 Min., .038" Max. with contacts open. 

Measure at hinge end of core.

Regulator (Cont’d) 

Voltage Regulator 

Setting (VRD-4003-A) - 7.5-7.8 volts at 70º F (Before 

#811-000001), 7.35-7.65 volts at 70º F (After #811- 

000001). 

Setting (VRD_4003-B) - 7.8-8.1 volts at 70º F (Before 

#811-000001), 7.35-7.65 volts at 70º F (After #811- 

000001). 

Setting (VRD-4008A) - 7.35-7.65 volts at 70º F. 

To Check - Connect ammeter in charging line at 'B' 

terminal on regulator (use short heavy leads), connect 

voltmeter between regulator 'B' and 'GD' terminals. 

Operate generator, charging fully charged battery, at 

speed equivalent to 30 MPH. car speed until voltage is 

steady. Voltmeter reading should be within limits of 

7.4-7.9 volts (VRD-4003- before #81-1-000001), 7.8- 

8.1 volts (VRD-4003-B before #8R-000001), 7.1-7.8 

volts (all models after #8R-000001). If outside these 

limits, regulator is defective. 

To Adjust (with cover removed) - Change regulator 

armature spring tension slightly by bending lower 

spring hanger. Check setting as directed above. 

Contact Gap - 010" Min., .0201, Max. with armature 

against stop pin 

Air Gap - .0595-.6625" with contacts just opening. 

LIGHTING 

LIGHTING: - Headlamps-Hall, pre-focused type with 

interchangeable lenses. Upper and lower beams (lower 

beam deflected slightly to right) controlled by foot 

selector switch with lighting switch in driving (right 

hand) position. 

Headlamp Adjustment - Aim headlamps straight 

ahead with top of beam at lamp center height at 25, 

(car unloaded, upper beams lighted). Headlamps 

aimed by means of two screws on underside of 

headlamp body. Vertical movement obtained by 

turning both screws equally in or out horizontal 

movement by turning one screw in until half desired 

movement obtained and completing movement by 

turning opposite screw out an equal amount. 

Switches 

Lighting - R.B.M. 

Foot Selector - R.B.M. No. 1076. 

Dome Light - R.B.M. No. 1220. 

Stop Light - R.B.M. No. 965. 

Bulb Specifications 

Position Candlepower Mazda No. 

Headlamps 32-32 2331 

Headlamps (export) 21-50 2520D 

Park, Instrument, Service 11/2 55 

License, Fender 3 63 

Stop-Tail 21-3 1158 

Dash Signals 1 51 

Dome 15 87 

MISC. ELECTRICAL 

SIGNAL LIGHTS: - Teleflash Generator Charging 

Indicator and Oil Pressure Indicator mounted on 

instrument panel. 

FUSES: - Lighting-Two 20 ampere capacity mounted on 

lighting switch (1937), on fuse block on lower flange 

of instrument panel on left side (1938). 

HORNS: Standard - Klaxon (Delco-Remy) Model K-33S 

(1937), Sparton (1938). Twin Horns operated by 

Delco-Remy or R-B-M relay. 

Optional - Klaxon K-11-F, Type 2111 (left--low note), 

2118 (right-high note), twin horns, blended tone with 

Delco Remy horn relay (optional--outside mounting). 

NOTE - Data below for Delco-Remy equipment. 

Horn Current (6 volts) Air Gap 

K-33-S, 2051 (low note) 11-13amps 042-.04611 

K-33-S, 2052 (high note) 10-12 " 032-.03611 

K-33-F, 2117 (low note) 11-13 " .040-.044" 

K-33-F, 2118 (high note) 9-11 " .032-.036" 

Horn Relay: - Model 271-A (with Klaxon horns). 

Contacts close 2.7-4.0 volts. 

Contact Gap -.02011. Air Gap - .015". 

NOTE - R.B.M. Model 780 horn relay also used. 

ENGINE 

ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS: - 8 cylinder, 'L' head 

type. 

Bore - 3", Stroke - 4½". 

Displacement - 254 cubic inches. Rated HP-28.8. 

Developed Horsepower - 122 HP. at 4200 R.P.M. 

Compression Ratio - 6.25-1 No Optional Ratios. 

Compression Pressure - 103 lbs. at 170 R.P.M. 

cranking speed (plugs removed, throttle wide open). 

Vacuum Reading - 18-21" at 350 RPM. or 7 MPH. 

PISTONS: - Own Lo-Ex aluminum alloy, IT' slot, cam 

ground type. Use finished replacement pistons. 

Weight - 10.5 ozs. stripped. Length-3 3/16". 

Removal - Pistons and rods may be removed from 

above or below. 

Clearance - .0161, top, .0021, skirt (see below). 

Fitting New Pistons: - 3-4 lbs. tension should be 

required to withdraw .0015" feeler 1/2" wide from 

between piston and cylinder wall on side opposite slot 

at right angles to pin bosses. 

Installing Pistons: - Slot away from camshaft side. 

PISTON RINGS: - Two compression, one oil ring above 

pin, one oil ring below pin. Rings positioned by pin in 

groove. 

Models 74, 75, 76, 77 (1937) 

Ring Width End Gap Side Clearance 

Compression 3/32" .009-.011" .001" 

Oil (both) 3/16" .009-.011" .001" 

Models 84, 5, 7 (1938) 

Ring Width End Gap Side Clearance 

Compression 3/32" .005-.010" .001" 

Oil (both) 3/16" .005" .001" 

- 5 -

Engine (Cont’d) 

PISTON PIN: - Diameter - 3/4". Length - 2-7/16". 

Pin floats in Piston and rod, held by locking rings. 

Pin hole in rod bronze-bushed. Pins furnished std., 

.002-, .005-, .010” oversize. 

Pin Fit in Piston - .00031' clearance or hand push fit 

with piston heated to 200º F. 

Pin Fit in Rod Bushing - .0003" clearance. 

CONNECTING ROD: Length - 8-3/16". 

Weight - 29.4 ozs. (1937), 30.3 ozs. (1938). 

Crankpin Journal Diameter - 1-15/16". 

Clearance - 001". Side play - .006-.010". 

Bearing Adjustment: Laminated shims (1937), No 

adjustment (1938-no shims). Replace rods. 

Installing Rods: - Offset. Install rods with widest half 

of bearing toward rear (#1, 3, 5, 7), toward front 42, 4, 

6, 8). Oil scoop on all rods toward camshaft. 

CRANKSHAFT: - 5 bearing with integral counterweights. 

Journal Diameters - #1, 2-9/32"; #2, 2-5/16"; #3, 

2-11/32"; #4, 2-3/8"; #5, 2-13/32". 

Bearing Type - Bronze-backed, babbitt-lined. 

Furnished std. and unfinished (1/ 32” extra stock - 

ream to desired undersize). Clearance - .001". 

Bearing Adjustment: - Shims. 

End Thrust: - Taken by center bearing. Replace 

bearing to adjust. Endplay.006-.012". 

CAMSHAFT: - Five bearing. Gear driven. 

Journal Diameters - #1, 2-1/32"; #2, 2"; #3,1-31/32-; 

#4,1-15/16"; #5, 1½". 

Bearing Clearance - 0025". 

End Thrust: - Taken by thrust washer assembled 

between front face of crankcase and rear side of 

camshaft front flange, and by spring- loaded 

button in camshaft hub and thrust plate on gear cover. 

See that spring and button in place under cover. 

Timing Gears: - Crankshaft gear cast-iron. Camshaft 

gear GE. or Continental Diamond Fibre Bakelite. 

Note: 1941 Type Timing Gear Set can be installed on 

these models (tooth angle redesigned to provide quieter 

operation). 

Camshaft Setting: - Mesh marked crankshaft gear 

tooth between two marked teeth on camshaft gear. 

VALVES: - Lighter valves (smaller stem diameter) used, 

than on previous models. New pilot size necessary for 

servicing tools. 

Head Diameter Stem Diameter Length 

Intake 1½" 3/8" ('37), 11/32" ('38) 5-3/32" 

Exhaust 1-3/8" 3/8" ('37),11/32" ('38) 5-3/32" 

Seat Angle Lift Side Clearance 

Intake 45º 11/32" .0015-.003" 

Exhaust 45º 11/32" .003-.005" 

Valve Guides: - 2-9/16" long. Top 15/16" below top of 

block. Finish ream to size after installation. 

Valve Springs: - Springs are cadmium plated, Dampners 

originally used on bottom of all springs, but 

recommended that they be omitted whenever 

valves are serviced. Spring check (out of engine) - 34 

lbs. min. at 2". 

Spring Pressure Spring Length 

Valve Closed 44 lbs 2" 

Valve Open 102 lbs 1-21/32" 

Valve Lifters: - Roller shoe type, fitted In removable 

guides. 

VALVE TIMING 

Tappet Clearance - 006", Intake, .008", Exhaust, 

engine hot. 

Valve Timing: - See Camshaft Setting above. 

Intake Valves - Open 10º 40' BTDC. Close 60º 

ALDC. 

Exhaust Valves - Open 50º BLDC. Close 18 0186 44' 

ATDC. These figures correct with .010" tappet 

clearance. 

To Check Timing - Set tappet clearance #1 intake 

valve at .010". This valve should open with piston 10º 

40' or .0494" BTDC when point on flywheel 

approximately 3.97 teeth before 'UDC.1-8/' mark lines 

up with pointer in hole in left front face of 

flywheel housing. Reset tappet clearance at .006" hot. 

LUBRICATION 

LUBRICATION: - Duo-flo (pressure & positive splash). 

Oil Pump: - Oscillating plunger type, gear driven by 

camshaft. Mounted on right side of crankcase. 

Normal Oil Pressure - 3 lbs. (no gauge). 

Oil Pressure Regulator: - Located on right side of 

crankcase at rear. Opens at 3 lbs. Not adjustable. 

Oil Pressure Indicator: - Teleflash Oil Pressure 

indicator. 

Crankcase Capacity: - 7 quarts (refill), 9 quarts (dry). 

COOLING 

COOLING SYSTEM: - Water Pump. Centrifugal, belt 

driven, packless type. 

Removal - With water drained and fan belt removed, 

disconnect pump hoses, remove mounting bolts and lift 

off fan and pump assembly. 

Thermostat: - Mounted in cylinder head water outlet. 

Setting - Start to open 150-155º F. Fully open 185º F. 

Water Capacity: 20 quarts (1937), 171/2 quarts (1938). 

CLUTCH 

CLUTCH: - Own make. Single plate, cork insert type 

operating in oil. 

- 6 -

Clutch (Cont’d) 

Automatic Clutch Control: - Optional equipment. 

Driven Member - Thickness .203". Inside Diameter 

6.375" Outside Diameter 9.75". Facing 108 Cork 

Inserts. 

Adjustment: -Pedal free movement must be 1½". To 

adjust, remove clevis pin at lower end of connecting 

link on throw-out shaft lever, loosen locknut, turn 

clevis. On cars with Automatic Clutch control, check 

setting whenever clutch adjusted. 

Removal: - Remove transmission (see Transmission 

Removal following), take out 16 clutch cover cap 

screws and remove clutch assembly from below. 

TRANSMISSION 

TRANSMISSION: - Own Make. Constant-mesh, helical 

gear (second & high), sliding spur (low & reverse). 

NOTE - Shifter Rail Locks used to prevent gear 

engagement with clutch engaged. 

Electric Hand Transmission Control - Optional. 

Removal: - Remove Electric Hand and Automatic 

Clutch Control units and wiring from transmission 

first, if car model so equipped. Disconnect 

transmission side bumpers, interlock straps, 

speedometer cable, drive shaft at front universal. 

Support engine at rear, free rear engine mounting. 

Take out bell housing-to-engine mounting bolts, pull 

transmission straight back and remove. 

UNIVERSALS 

UNIVERSAL JOINTS: - Spicer. 1281 (front), 1288 

(rear). 

REAR AXLE 

REAR AXLE: - Own make. Semi-floating, spiral bevel 

Ratios (1937) - 4.11-1 Std., 4.56-1, 3.89-1, 3.56-1 

Optional 

Ratios (1938) - 4 1/9-1 Std., 4 5/9-1, 3 5/9-1, 3 8/9-1 

Optional 

Backlash - .0005-.003". Screw adjustment. 

Removal: - Remove rear wheel and hub assembly (use 

screw type hub puller only), take out four nuts on 

bearing cap bolts, push bolts out through backing 

plate (allows cap removal without disturbing hand 

brake operating link), remove shims, pull wheel 

bearing and axle shaft, disconnect driveshaft at 

rear universal joint, remove 8 nuts from axle housing 

stud bolts, withdraw differential carrier. 

Wheel Bearing Adjustment: - Controlled by shims 

under bearing cap. Measure endplay by dial indicator 

clamped to backing plate with plunger against end of 

axle shaft. To adjust, remove bearing caps (as directed 

above), add or remove shims equally at both wheels. 

Endplay - .004-.010". 

SHOCK ABSORBERS 

Delco. Direct acting hydraulic types: As follows: 

Front - Model 1175S (1937), 1164S (1938). 

Rear - Model 1174T (1937),1163T (1938). 

FRONT SUSPENSION 

Front Suspension: - Conventional 'I' beam section front 

axle with Elliott type ends and semi-elliptic springs. 

Axle alignment maintained by torque arm at each 

end (rubber-bushed bolt at frame). Torque Arms. 

Kingpin Inclination – 7º crosswise. 

Caster - 1-2º and equal within ½º for both wheels. To 

adjust, loosen cap screws at forward end of torque arm, 

insert shim between arm and axle at upper 

screw or remove shim at lower screw to decrease 

caster, remove shim at upper screw or Insert shim at 

lower screw to increase caster. Shims .020" 

thick, change caster ½". 

Camber - 1-1½º. Not adjustable. 

Toe In: - 0-1/8" measured 10" up from ground. Adjust 

by loosening clamp bolts and turning tie rod. 

Steering Geometry - Inner wheel 20º. Outer 17¾º. 

STEERING GEAR 

Steering Gear: Gemmer Model 305 Worm-and-Roller 

type with "push-pull" adjustments. 

BRAKES 

BRAKES: - Service-Bendix Hydraulic, Duo-servo Single 

anchor type. Mechanical follow-up (pedal linked to 

hand brake cables) provided. Hand lever applies rear 

service brakes. 

Drum - Alloy-steel. Diameter-11-1/16". 

Lining - Moulded (primary), woven (secondary). 

Width 1¾". Thickness 7/32" (1937), 3/16" (1938). 

Length per wheel 23-15/16". 

Clearance - .010" at heel and toe of each shoe. 

Hand Brake: - See Service Brakes above. 

Hill-Holder: Optional. 

- 7 -

1937-1937 Hudson

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