Notices
Excursion - King of SUVs 2000 - 2005 Ford Excursion
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Axle Alignment

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 2, 2014 | 08:23 PM
  #16  
robert_l_ross's Avatar
robert_l_ross
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,923
Likes: 33
From: Sacramento Area
Originally Posted by superdave02f552
There are no slots of any fashion for the front I'm looking at round holes in my old axle right now
That's what I saw...if you have something other than a round port, methinks your axle was jacked up (hit something and it distorted the metal on the axle?).
 
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2014 | 08:50 PM
  #17  
wrxin's Avatar
wrxin
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
From: Parker, CO
Originally Posted by robert_l_ross
That's what I saw...if you have something other than a round port, methinks your axle was jacked up (hit something and it distorted the metal on the axle?).
The slot is in the spring pack guys, where the pin goes through.
 
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2014 | 09:11 PM
  #18  
wrxin's Avatar
wrxin
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
From: Parker, CO
Originally Posted by wrxin
The slot is in the spring pack guys, where the pin goes through.
I checked some of my spring pics. Only one of the two leafs on each front spring pack is slotted so there's really no adjustment in the pack. The leaf with the slot is the lower leaf, the one that does not hold the bushings. I'm sure it's there just to align the pack as the center pin is tightened, not to align the front axle.
 
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2014 | 10:35 AM
  #19  
robert_l_ross's Avatar
robert_l_ross
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,923
Likes: 33
From: Sacramento Area
Originally Posted by wrxin
The slot is in the spring pack guys, where the pin goes through.
???

Um, I don't think so my man. The spring pack bolt (that goes through all of the springs and extends above and below the spring pack) goes into a hole drilled into the axle.

Here is a shot of it - the vice grips are on the "head" of the bolt holding it while I loosen the nut (rear spring, but the bolt placement is the same on the front):


That bolt head goes into a "hole" of sorts on the flat plate welded to the axle...here is another shot of the "nut" side of that bolt sticking up:


The "head" is down into the hole on that plate, then a top plate that also has the shock mount on it goes over that bolt:


...are you sure you don't have an axle from a different vehicle on there?
 
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2014 | 10:49 AM
  #20  
wrxin's Avatar
wrxin
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
From: Parker, CO
The slot isn't in the AXLE, is in one of the front spring leafs!!! Read this please.
 
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2014 | 11:08 AM
  #21  
wrxin's Avatar
wrxin
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
From: Parker, CO
I never should have gone down this rabbit trail. I've mentioned throughout this post that the front axle is basically not adjustable in relation to the rear axle. The OP said something about slotted front springs and I was just trying to help him out. I also later mentioned that the slot I was thinking about won't actually do what he hopes it will.

But, as a picture is worth a 1000 words, here is the infamous slot we're all discussing.

 
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2014 | 11:10 AM
  #22  
wrxin's Avatar
wrxin
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
From: Parker, CO
Thanks but I really didn't need the lecture and pictures of the REAR springs, when I'm taking about the FRONT springs. I've done my own very successful spring swap so I really do understand all this...

Originally Posted by robert_l_ross
???

Um, I don't think so my man. The spring pack bolt (that goes through all of the springs and extends above and below the spring pack) goes into a hole drilled into the axle.

Here is a shot of it - the vice grips are on the "head" of the bolt holding it while I loosen the nut (rear spring, but the bolt placement is the same on the front):


That bolt head goes into a "hole" of sorts on the flat plate welded to the axle...here is another shot of the "nut" side of that bolt sticking up:


The "head" is down into the hole on that plate, then a top plate that also has the shock mount on it goes over that bolt:


...are you sure you don't have an axle from a different vehicle on there?
 
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2014 | 11:42 AM
  #23  
Gene Horr's Avatar
Gene Horr
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 351
Likes: 0
From: South Texas/RGV
WRXIN is correct. Now that I have everything off I see that the slot that is on the stock front springs is not for axle adjustment. It looks like it is more of an expansion joint to allow for the change in radius for the two main springs since both are full length. Since the rear springs are a different arrangement this slot would not be necessary for the rear.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Oct 3, 2014 | 11:57 AM
  #24  
wrxin's Avatar
wrxin
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 658
Likes: 0
From: Parker, CO
Originally Posted by Gene Horr
WRXIN is correct. Now that I have everything off I see that the slot that is on the stock front springs is not for axle adjustment. It looks like it is more of an expansion joint to allow for the change in radius for the two main springs since both are full length. Since the rear springs are a different arrangement this slot would not be necessary for the rear.
Thanks. Did you ever figure out why the front and rear were not in alignment?

I do know that some folks have made the mistake of torquing down all the leaf spring bolts and shackles and all that with the car not fully on its own weight on the ground.
 
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2014 | 12:12 PM
  #25  
robert_l_ross's Avatar
robert_l_ross
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,923
Likes: 33
From: Sacramento Area
Hey man, take a deep breath, no-one is coming down on you with a lecture...we are all trying to help out here so don't make this into something it isn't.

Originally Posted by wrxin
The fronts have a slot but its no very long.
...you didn't specify axle vs. spring in that post, which is why I chimed in with the photos.

Originally Posted by wrxin
But, as a picture is worth a 1000 words, here is the infamous slot we're all discussing.

Now that you posted the photos and added comments that it's on the spring, everyone is on the same page.

Of course there is the one oval hole, but in one of the two leaves. Unless it's in both, that pin will not allow adjustment front to back - just like we BOTH are trying to say.

Summary: We are both saying the same thing - the hole in question doesn't allow alignment of the spring, that something else is going on with his rig.
 
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2014 | 12:41 PM
  #26  
Gene Horr's Avatar
Gene Horr
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 351
Likes: 0
From: South Texas/RGV
Originally Posted by wrxin
Thanks. Did you ever figure out why the front and rear were not in alignment?
No, but I am installing all new springs today and I'll see what that does. I finally slapped myself upside the head and noticed that I was spending more money propping up the worn out springs than I would have spent just purchasing new ones. I had not realized how cheap new springs are.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ksteve06
All Things Towing
11
Nov 19, 2017 07:14 PM
samahi72
All Things Towing
11
Jun 22, 2008 10:12 PM
jaye
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Jun 8, 2008 10:54 AM
hairboy
All Things Towing
3
Apr 17, 2005 05:25 PM
buckinbronco'95
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
3
May 12, 2004 09:09 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:14 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE