53 Front Axle
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53 Front Axle
Greetings from the Rusty Bucket'. (pronounced Bouquet). Anyone watching BBC or PBS will know where that came from. I have visited this site for the past year and and learned priceless information regarding my 53 Effie but this is the first time I have posted a question. I am re-bushing the front leaf springs on my 53. On disassembly, I have found a wedge between each leaf spring and axle. I believe these may be "caster" wedges but the books I have, indicate these wedges were used up to 1952. The 53's and up do not use this wedge. Writting on each wedge says "No Slip - 2 Deg" Also according to my books, these wedges were installed backwards. The book says the thick end points to the rear. These were opposite. The thick end was toward the front. I would really appreciate some guidance from those of you who have experience with this. Are the wedges supposed to be there? Thanks, in advance.
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Joined: Mar 2000
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From: Waynesville, OH
Rusty,
The wedges were used past 1952, as my 1956 shop manual refers to them being used for caster adjustments. They could be installed either way, depending on how the springs fit and/or have deformed over the years. Usually they need to be installed with the thick end toward the rear (as you mentioned) to get the proper caster after the springs have sagged. The wedges are still available in different angles, I believe. The angle you need will depend on the amount of sag in your springs.
The wedges were used past 1952, as my 1956 shop manual refers to them being used for caster adjustments. They could be installed either way, depending on how the springs fit and/or have deformed over the years. Usually they need to be installed with the thick end toward the rear (as you mentioned) to get the proper caster after the springs have sagged. The wedges are still available in different angles, I believe. The angle you need will depend on the amount of sag in your springs.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Rusty,
Pointing the thick end toward the rear increases the caster by tilting the axle up at the front. Since sagging springs can affect alignment (caster), I'd put them in with the the thick end toward the rear and have the front end alignment checked to be sure you need them. If the alignment shows too much caster they will be removed or replaced with wedges of smaller thicknesses.
Vern
Pointing the thick end toward the rear increases the caster by tilting the axle up at the front. Since sagging springs can affect alignment (caster), I'd put them in with the the thick end toward the rear and have the front end alignment checked to be sure you need them. If the alignment shows too much caster they will be removed or replaced with wedges of smaller thicknesses.
Vern
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Durham NC
They are right, tipping the axle back increases caster making the steering center better and reduce the "drunken monkey". They are definitely needed with the springs that move the axle forward or reversed eye springs on the F100's, and as noted may be needed with softened or sagging springs.
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Rusty Bucket' (Bouquet) here....Thanks to all for the "divine guidance". It is greatly appreciated! I believe I will re-install the wedges the way I found them, thick end towards the front. They must have been installed that way for a reason (I hope). "Beware....Rust Never Sleeps"
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Lead Driver
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Originally Posted by Rusty Bucket'
They must have been installed that way for a reason (I hope).
Vern
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Rusty Bucket" (Bouquet) here.....After some more thought and due to the fact that I am removing several springs, I've decided to install the wedges with the thick end towards the rears. With spring remomal, there will definately be "sag". I really appreciate all of you taking the time to help me out. As much as I would like to think that I know what I am doing, I really don't but I will pretend that I do. This is all "unchartered waters" for me but I am having lots of fun doing it.
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