I'm dropping the front and rear axles to install darkside equipment on a 1950 F-1 frame. What is a easier way to mark the axle center on the frame's front and rear without leveling the frame and using a plum-bob. Anyone have any measurments from a bolt hole, etc. I want to mark the frame prior to bead blasting. Thanks ,chuck

 

I'm not sure you can get there without going thru the plum-bob procedure at least once. On my 55 I used the rear axle snubber for a centerline..looked good to me, on the other hand,on the front the axle center was moved forward 1.25 inches.
Is the body stilll on? Do the wheels fit the fender well opening ok??
It won't take too much effort to jack it up ,find a chassis centerline/perpendicular line...then 'punch-mark a couple of points front and rear for future reference..some folks will go so far as drill a 1/8" hole.Good Luck! and keep it fun

 

There are some PDF files on this site that may be able to help.
Stick a Bolt on the Axle Bump Stop.

 

when i took my front axle out i checked the center.it is dead center of the hole for the axle stop rubber.

 

I used the hole for the axle stop rubber also on my 48.

 

I found another article about page 30 of 998.

Rear center of axle in article said center of the axle is 36.5 inches fordward of aft end of the frame. I measured mine and found 35.75 on left and right sides. Sighting down the stubber it is off about .5 inch.

On the front axle center the article said to measure 19.75 inches from the forward shackle mount rivit to the axle center. Mine on the left and right sides was 19.25 inches. Snubber off center of axle .5 inches, both sides.

All sheet metal has been previously removed from the frame. It looks like all parts have been in place a long time.Has everyone moved the front axle forward for better looks?

Any different ideas???? Thanks,chuck

 

IMHO, there is no need to move the axle centerline forward in 48-52 trucks. Only the 53-56 trucks benefit from that mod because the original axle centerline in those years was further back.