I can't answer your suspension questions, but you can tell if it a 3 or 2 bearing by looking at the carb.side of the engine, in the crankcase towards the top and in the centre of the crankcase if there is a brass nut it's a 3 bearing.Mind you, you usually can tell a 3 bearing by the rumble from the centre main!.

From your description it sounds like your front suspension is a "Bowdenex" setup. There were/are a fair few specials so fitted.

Change of engine number should be straightforward with DVLA. They should not need any evidence (receipt etc.) for an engine change on a vehicle in the historic tax class.

Emailed you re. one other issue you raised.

Location: N W Kent

Hi Clive,

As to your engine (crankcase) number M 188375 it dates to the end of December 1933 and is therefore a 2 bearing crank. Three bearing crank started at engine number 249052.

There's information on IFS (independent front suspension) systems on the Speedex site below - the first illustration of a red Bowden IFS with twin springs would appear similar to the set up you describe. The article includes a source for the Ford 10 track rod ends that yours may have.

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/speedex/index_files/Page2240.htm

Jeff.

Location: Almost but not quite, the far North East of England

Many thanks for your reply's
the front suspension does appear to be a Bowden set up but with an Austin 7 shock absorber with extended arms instead of telescopic shocks.
Many Thanks
Clive