Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Model A (1928-31)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 10-15-2014, 05:32 PM   #21
Kohnke Rebabbitting
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: 60615,330th Ave.,Clare, Iowa, 50524
Posts: 1,457
Default Re: Front Axle Straightening

Ok, I found my note book. I had forgoten about the degrees for the axle, as it has been about 8 years since I have done the last Model A running gear.

I have the Bear set of alignment tools and I found a picture that should explain how to use it.

Years ago when there were more Model A spec's easier to be had, the number I found was 7 degrees.

It is easy and accurate with the bear unit.

I use a chalk to get all 4 rods straight, and look at the tops of the rods.

I mount the Bear tool and check for 7 degrees on the perch rods, and then move to the king pin rods, and check for another 7 degrees there, they should be the same.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Bear Alignment Rods 001.jpg (62.8 KB, 46 views)
File Type: jpg Bear Alignment Rods 003.jpg (59.6 KB, 46 views)
File Type: jpg Model A Front Axle 010.jpg (59.0 KB, 99 views)
Kohnke Rebabbitting is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2014, 06:12 PM   #22
buddridge
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 50
Default Re: Front Axle Straightening

They're so plentiful.....why bother? Buy another one.
buddridge is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 10-15-2014, 06:27 PM   #23
Purdy Swoft
Senior Member
 
Purdy Swoft's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Alabama
Posts: 8,099
Default Re: Front Axle Straightening

most are bent.
Purdy Swoft is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-16-2014, 11:41 AM   #24
Moodswing83
Junior Member
 
Moodswing83's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Waterford, MI
Posts: 27
Default Re: Front Axle Straightening

Wow, lots of awesome responses. I think that I will get a couple prices and then evaluate against doing it myself.
I like the response on just getting another axle, and trust me, it is one of the options. But like most fools, what fun is it if you don't try to screw something up more!

Never even thought of check M.A.R.C., which I am a member.

Thank you for all of the responses, I'll let you know what I decided on.

Gene
Moodswing83 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-16-2014, 12:32 PM   #25
Kevin in NJ
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: South East NJ
Posts: 3,398
Default Re: Front Axle Straightening

Any used axle is likely to be bent.

From years of just being driven you have road forces pushing rearward on the stub of the axle out board of the perch. Think of the billions of hits at speed hammering the metal rearwards. Then all the time the car hits curbs and such.

To make matters worse, any axle that has been heated will be MUCH softer and even more likely to bend with less force.

So if you do get another axle you have to know if it is within spec. Otherwise you may not be better off.
Kevin in NJ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-16-2014, 03:29 PM   #26
WestCoast
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: oroville calif
Posts: 893
Default Re: Front Axle Straightening

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
take it to s shop that works on pick up and trucks, they will straighten and align the axle on the car
WestCoast is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-16-2014, 04:48 PM   #27
Brian T
Senior Member
 
Brian T's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: San Diego,Ca
Posts: 1,377
Default Re: Front Axle Straightening

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kevin in NJ View Post
Any used axle is likely to be bent.

From years of just being driven you have road forces pushing rearward on the stub of the axle out board of the perch. Think of the billions of hits at speed hammering the metal rearwards. Then all the time the car hits curbs and such.

To make matters worse, any axle that has been heated will be MUCH softer and even more likely to bend with less force.

So if you do get another axle you have to know if it is within spec. Otherwise you may not be better off.
The first thing to do if looking for a used axle is to check the king pin holes for wear, if excessive this may cost to much to fix depending our much further straightening is required, ---- in addition look to see if the axle is bent forward, usually caused from towing at its center, not a big problem ---- if you have a good eye look from one end to the other if it appears close then you may have a easy fix axle beam.
Kevin, I used your tips to make up my alignment rods, the axle I found I believe had not been used, it was straight and the angles were 7 degrees at the king pins and perches, which yielded 2 degrees positive camber at the wheel.
Regards Brian, and thanks for the tips.
__________________
Nothing can be made foolproof, ---- fools are ingenious bastards.
Brian T is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:47 PM.