Finding the center line
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Finding the center line
O.K. guys, I am glad the IFS debate line will be open soon, but I need some quick help. For starters, I am an idiot. I am in WAY over my head, and I don't care. I'm lovin' it! This is the only way I know how to learn anything new, by jumping in head first. All that being said, I bought the "Wide Ride" IFS from No Limit Engineering. It's all here, and I am stuck on the first step. How the heck do I determine the centerline. The instructions say to use a plumb bob. Got one. Don't know what to do with it. I guess I need the "Installing IFS for Dummies" version of the instructions. Any help would be appreciated. Don't worry. I'm hiring a good welder once I get everything in place. A mans' got to know his limitations (for now!) Thanks everybody! T
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: DFW, TX
T,
With your frame level and on jack stands, use the plumb bob to transfer the axle center line to the floor to use as a reference point. Put it on with permanent marker, duct tape, paint, whatever you like, but it will be very handy and you don't want it to come off or move.
Don't know what year your truck is, but you can use the plumb bob to point down to the center of the straight axle and then mark the center line on the frame. On the 53-56 (if I remember correctly) the mounting hole of the axle snubber is on the centerline.
On 53-56 it is common to move the centerline forward 1 1/2" to 2" (I did 1 3/4") to better center the wheel in the fender opening.
Good Luck!
With your frame level and on jack stands, use the plumb bob to transfer the axle center line to the floor to use as a reference point. Put it on with permanent marker, duct tape, paint, whatever you like, but it will be very handy and you don't want it to come off or move.
Don't know what year your truck is, but you can use the plumb bob to point down to the center of the straight axle and then mark the center line on the frame. On the 53-56 (if I remember correctly) the mounting hole of the axle snubber is on the centerline.
On 53-56 it is common to move the centerline forward 1 1/2" to 2" (I did 1 3/4") to better center the wheel in the fender opening.
Good Luck!
Last edited by fatfords; Oct 10, 2003 at 09:37 PM.
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Thanks Kent! I am building up a 1953 F-250. I'm working with a bare frame here. The original crossmemers for the motor and tranny as well as both suspensions are long gone. That being said, how can I find the centerline now? Can you tell me what the frame width is for an F-100? I have been told it's the same for the F-250, but this will allow me to verify that. Thanks a lot for your help!! Tom
Posting Guru
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From: Pensacola Florida
"Measure back 19 3/4" from the center of the front shackle hole in the frame" This is straight from the Heidt's page 1 crossmember installations instructions for 53 -56 Ford F100. Instructions courtesy of John Niolon.
I hope this helps. Remember that I can't verify the accuracy of this information but maybe someone can verify it off their truck.
If someone has a factory manual they can check the frame dimensions to verify if the F250 and F100 are the same. I believe the width is 34". The manual probably has reference point for locating the axle centerline also.
I hope this helps. Remember that I can't verify the accuracy of this information but maybe someone can verify it off their truck.
If someone has a factory manual they can check the frame dimensions to verify if the F250 and F100 are the same. I believe the width is 34". The manual probably has reference point for locating the axle centerline also.
Last edited by darkman; Oct 11, 2003 at 07:29 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Iowa
T
I drooled over that IFS for 3 days at the Supernats. I intend to own one someday. How long are the directions? If I could talk you into faxing me a copy, I'd be happy to give you an assist as you proceed. I would like to add this to our IFS thread someday. It is the sweetest looking heavy duty IFS I have ever seen. The sturdy components of the Wild Ride dwarf the other aftermarket show IFS offerings. I think you made a good decision for an F250.
I drooled over that IFS for 3 days at the Supernats. I intend to own one someday. How long are the directions? If I could talk you into faxing me a copy, I'd be happy to give you an assist as you proceed. I would like to add this to our IFS thread someday. It is the sweetest looking heavy duty IFS I have ever seen. The sturdy components of the Wild Ride dwarf the other aftermarket show IFS offerings. I think you made a good decision for an F250.
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From: Pensacola Florida
Hey Fenders,
You know if you would sell that Volare refuse John pawned off on you you could make a down payment on the Wide Ride and quit drooling. I guess your closet door is opening again. LOL
You know if you would sell that Volare refuse John pawned off on you you could make a down payment on the Wide Ride and quit drooling. I guess your closet door is opening again. LOL
Post Fiend
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From: Iowa
Charles,
I've been out of the closet on the No Limit piece since I saw it. It's got a couple Chevy parts on it but you can't fault them for putting some Camaro brake parts on it. I'm sure it keeps the price down somewhat. The Wild Ride is to me what the Dakota is to Carl. The only IFS I would ever pay big money for.
My current IFS does everything I'll ever need, I just can't justify the expenditure now. I don't have another frame handy anyway.
I've been out of the closet on the No Limit piece since I saw it. It's got a couple Chevy parts on it but you can't fault them for putting some Camaro brake parts on it. I'm sure it keeps the price down somewhat. The Wild Ride is to me what the Dakota is to Carl. The only IFS I would ever pay big money for.
My current IFS does everything I'll ever need, I just can't justify the expenditure now. I don't have another frame handy anyway.
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Per my shop manual, the width of the frames of the F100 up through the F900s is 34 "
That is the outside width from the side of the front frame horn to the outside of the opposite frame horn.
The only exception is the T800 (whatever the heck that is) which is 34 & 1/8 at the front and 34 & 5/32 at the rear.
Regards,
That is the outside width from the side of the front frame horn to the outside of the opposite frame horn.
The only exception is the T800 (whatever the heck that is) which is 34 & 1/8 at the front and 34 & 5/32 at the rear.
Regards,
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Thanks everybody! Fenders, I really appreciate the offer and would be happy to fax the directions to you. They are probably fine for someone who has done trhis type of work before, but as I said before, I need them a little more spelled out. I intend to document the install as I go. I'll send a copy to you and to No Limit. Once you guys tell me I haven't overlooked any details, I'll offer it to No Limit as well as make it available to add to the IFS thread if anyone is interested. As soon as I button up the front, I'll finish up the Ford 9" I started and get that in. Thanks again to everyone. I'll keep you posted. I'm sure I'll have more questions!! Tom
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Sorry again! Too many fumes in the garage today! Is "19 3/4" from the center of the front shackle hole in the frame" the original center line dimension? If so, and I want to move everything up 1 3/4" to better center the wheel in the fender opening, then should I measure 18" back from the front shackle hole? Thanks again....again. Tom
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From: Iowa
T
I emailed my FAX number. Do you have a digital camera? The help you get here will be far more effective if you can post a PIC now and then as you proceed. A gallery is pretty easy to set up here.
My truck has had the Volare chop done so I can't verify the number you asked for. I suspect the Heidts graphic is the measurement to center it in the wheel well. You'll of course want to verify this. Are your fenders off the truck at this time?
I emailed my FAX number. Do you have a digital camera? The help you get here will be far more effective if you can post a PIC now and then as you proceed. A gallery is pretty easy to set up here.
My truck has had the Volare chop done so I can't verify the number you asked for. I suspect the Heidts graphic is the measurement to center it in the wheel well. You'll of course want to verify this. Are your fenders off the truck at this time?
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From: Pensacola Florida
Reference 19 3/4'
Call Heidts to be sure. It is their measurement and they can tell you. John N is out of pocket this week so I can't ask him. Maybe he'll check in and see this post. I would think like Fenders that the 19 3/4" measurement has moved the wheel from the original location to center of the wheelwell.
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