Dropped spindles for clearance?
 

Having installed this diesel engine in my 47 ford tonner (otherwise stock), I find I would like more clearance between the drag link and the oil pan. In 30 trial miles it has not made any contact with the freshly painted pan, but I could see scenarios where it would. I picture a sort of 'U' bend in the drag link but went online about a dropped drag link. Turns out they make drop arms for ford spindles. My tonner uses same as half ton spindles. Couldn't tell from the pics how they bolt to the spindles. Do the two top backing plates bolt into the slingshot ends and I cut off the existing arms? The current stock drag link has about a 20 degree kink downwards on the pass side already. I would probably use the 1 3/4" drops from speedway? Make a new drag link?... But bending tubing? Looks like the stock link is solid rod. Any ideas? I could get a pic soon. Thanks

Re: Dropped spindles for clearance?
 

Any reason you don't want to just heat and drop them? Would be much simpler, quicker and cheaper way to go.

Re: Dropped spindles for clearance?
 

Fitting dropped steering arms means you need to cut off the ford ones. As Jseery said a heat and bend may be in order. Put them in a vice heat them only just enough to bend down with a wrench then bend close to the eye back to 90 degrees and cool as slow as possible.

Re: Dropped spindles for clearance?
 

Tubing can be bent, but you have to employ some different methods to prevent kinking instead of bending. It's likely that you'll have to make a new drag link because when you lower the attach point on the spindle arm, you increase the distance from the Pitman arm. Sumthin' to consider anyway! The dropped spindle arms bolt-on where the LOWER backing plate bolts go thru the spindle flange. You DO have to cut the existing arms off. Here are some typical aftermarket, dropped arms below, plus an installed arm on a spindle for reference. DD


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...9&d=1308345530




https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...3&d=1579626976




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Re: Dropped spindles for clearance?
 

Why would you be bending any tubing, we're talking spindle arms correct?

Re: Dropped spindles for clearance?
 

I have seen Ford spindles with the arms cut off for sale cheap. I would spend a little time looking around for a pair of those before I cut up a good set.

Re: Dropped spindles for clearance?
 

You could try these dropped tie rod ends from Speedway


https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speed...nds,50152.html


https://content.speedwaymotors.com/P...f1b3079296.jpg

Re: Dropped spindles for clearance?
 

That looks like the ticket for an easy fix for his truck. Just measure the exact length of the original before disassembly of tie rod To ensure same wheel alignment. It will most likely have 17” wheels so no ground clearance issues.

Re: Dropped spindles for clearance?
 

Thanks all! I think Duece lover wins my vote. The pass side fixed end of the drag link already has a bend in the right direction. I really only need to lower the driver's side. Right now the draglink runs downhill and with the dropped tie rod end should run paralell to the tie rod. And easy! Edit: Says for 48-64 trucks. Don't see any problems, but maybe thread dia and pitch. Are ours 11/16" 18 pitch?

Re: Dropped spindles for clearance?
 

I'm not sure on the pitch of the later cars, but for a 32 tie-rod, it was a sort of funny fine pitch . . . seems it was finer than 18??? (I'm in the house at the moment, but I remember having to buy a fine die to rethread my tie-rod once I dropped the axle) - had to cut it shorter.

Re: Dropped spindles for clearance?
 

I searched around and on Macs or Drakes site they show the same part number for tie rod ends from '32 til at least '53, so I should be good. For 50 bucks I'll order them!

Re: Dropped spindles for clearance?
 

Let know how it works out !

Re: Dropped spindles for clearance?
 

ive just got a big bend in my drag link to clear the sump in my 48 pu with diesel power makes adjusting the toe in a slow job but it works

Re: Dropped spindles for clearance?
 

I'm thinking the drag link is solid rod stock, correct?

Re: Dropped spindles for clearance?
 

I think he means tie rod.No cross steering on a 48 F1

Re: Dropped spindles for clearance?
 

Do the drop spindles. Better geometry. In my opinion.

Re: Dropped spindles for clearance?
 

Did you perhaps mean to say "dropped spindle ARMS"? You can get "dropped spindles" for '49-'54 Chevys, but NOT for old Fords with I-beams! Could you please explain what would be better about the geometry? DD

Re: Dropped spindles for clearance?
 

We are talking about fords to my knowledge. But maybe chevy now. Yes heat or buy bolt on.


Spindle to spindle, verse adding a bunch of angles to forces inline. Drop spindles keep all linkage inline. Adding linkage off angle over time will add issues. Or not. My thinking is keep it simple. It's the same with lifting a truck. Less angles the better on steering linkage.

the tie rod drop links might just be fine here. the more the drop, more pressure on the rod ends. probably just fine here though.

Re: Dropped spindles for clearance?
 

I have two sticks to choose from to lean against a wall to brace me against a waterfall. Would I pick a straight stick, or a crooked one?


....or a starwars reference. you are in a trash compactor that is closing in. would you grab a crooked pipe or a straight pipe to make a brace. :)

Re: Dropped spindles for clearance?
 

Personally I'd not use the bolt on steering arms on a heavy vehicle like your truck. I'd heat and bend the originals or use the dropped ends like pictured above. I'd also be looking at modifying the oil pan or whatever it is that is causing the foul condition. It all boils down to how much interference needs to be adjusted for and the consequences if contact is made. suspension travel is probably quite limited. How often would you expect the clash to occur?

Mart.