Axle caster wedge?
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 55
Likes: 36
From: U.P of Michigan
Axle caster wedge?
I am rebuilding the front suspension on my 49 F1. Looking thru my shop manual it says to put this wedge between axle and springs. I understand all that, but there wasn't one there when I took it apart. In 70 years yeah somebody might have taken it out. I can't find it as a replacement part from my resources. Is it required/necessary, and if so does anybody know where I can get one? Another thing I'm trying to determine is spacing on the king pin. Manual doesn't (I couldn't find) specify how much clearance there should be between spindle and axle. If someone would point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Bob
Thanks, Bob
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,300
Likes: 1,059
From: NM
Truck spring shops would probably be your best source for the wedges, or 4x4 shops. I wouldn't get aluminum wedges.
The fit on the kingpins should be tight enough that the pin will not fall thru of its own weight, but can easily be pushed thru, like with one finger.
The fit on the kingpins should be tight enough that the pin will not fall thru of its own weight, but can easily be pushed thru, like with one finger.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,837
Likes: 468
From: Mason City, Iowa
Mid-Fifty sells them. They call them Spring Alignment Shims. I don't know if they are aluminum or not, but you can call and check with them:
https://midfifty.com/item.php?INV_ID...-shim-4-degree
https://midfifty.com/item.php?INV_ID...-shim-4-degree
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 235
Likes: 25
From: Solvang CA
hooler has found the right shim for the front. Rear shims are wider.
I recommend 6 degree if you can find them. More caster makes a bit harder to steer, but tracking is better, return of steering wheel from turning is quicker.
These trucks were made to go slow on bad roads fully burdened. Two or three degrees was fine. Plus heavy load in back had the effect of more degrees of castor as steering geometry changed.
But for today, faster speeds, no loads in bed, and assuming your steering is tight, 6 degrees is what the truck likes. 4 degrees OK, but 6 more better.
Others have other opinions. Just stating mine.
I recommend 6 degree if you can find them. More caster makes a bit harder to steer, but tracking is better, return of steering wheel from turning is quicker.
These trucks were made to go slow on bad roads fully burdened. Two or three degrees was fine. Plus heavy load in back had the effect of more degrees of castor as steering geometry changed.
But for today, faster speeds, no loads in bed, and assuming your steering is tight, 6 degrees is what the truck likes. 4 degrees OK, but 6 more better.
Others have other opinions. Just stating mine.
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22,030
Likes: 9,983
From: Rio Rancho, NM
Yup, most of the parts sources have them; LMC, etc. My truck didn't have any originally either. After I modified the suspension a bit and changed the rake of the truck I decided I needed a bit more caster so I added a 4 degree shim.
When you go to buy the shims make sure you find the right width. I think our earlier trucks have 1 1/2" wide springs and the later trucks are 2" but I can't recall for sure.
Bobby
When you go to buy the shims make sure you find the right width. I think our earlier trucks have 1 1/2" wide springs and the later trucks are 2" but I can't recall for sure.
Bobby
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 263
Likes: 2
From: Moorhead, MN
Trending Topics
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 92
Likes: 3
Probably most of the stuff readily available is for the wider springs.
Got mine off Amazon. They are steel, regardless of the item's title.
Rubicon Express doesn't offer any in aluminum to my knowledge.
The six degree wedges are Part # RE1468
You'll have to trim each side 1/2" because they are 2.5" wide and your
truck should have 1.5" wide springs. I used my bandsaw.
Got mine off Amazon. They are steel, regardless of the item's title.
Rubicon Express doesn't offer any in aluminum to my knowledge.
The six degree wedges are Part # RE1468
You'll have to trim each side 1/2" because they are 2.5" wide and your
truck should have 1.5" wide springs. I used my bandsaw.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
1954wrecker
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Jul 26, 2018 09:49 PM
kappajoe
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Apr 29, 2016 09:53 AM
dmack91
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
31
Sep 8, 2014 05:48 PM