wheel centerline
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wheel centerline
When locating the centerline of either the rear-end axle or the front axle (for installing modified rear susp or IFS) is it 'safe' to assume the rubber bumpers on the frame are at the axle centerlines??? Magazine articles on these subjects typically locate the axle centerlines on the frame by using a level or a plumb bob of some kind, but I'm thinking that with all of the weight (engine/trans/box/front sheetmetal etc) that is typically removed at this time, the original leaf springs have de-arched from normal ride height and will throw this off somewhat. I realize it wouldn't be off much, but if the stock rubber bump stops are already on the axle centerline, why even mess with it - the CL is already 'marked' for you.
On my '52, the bump stops appear to be at the axle centerline (and logic says they should be), but I'm just wondering if anyone knows for sure or has already made this assumption - if so, did it work out ok??
Thanks for any input!!!
On my '52, the bump stops appear to be at the axle centerline (and logic says they should be), but I'm just wondering if anyone knows for sure or has already made this assumption - if so, did it work out ok??
Thanks for any input!!!
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 1999
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From: Pensacola Florida
wheel centerline
That is a very good question. I have a similiar situation in that I have removed everything but the front axle on my 57 and now I'm wondering how the wheel relates to the center of the wheelwell opening on the fender. I think I'm going to remount one fender so I can check it. Does anyone know if the 57 - 60 front wheel is centered in the opening from the factory or can you move it to get a better look?
Charles in Pensacola
Charles in Pensacola
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wheel centerline
You should'nt need to remount the fender. Just measure from the coorisponding mounts on the fenders, front supports in relation to the frame radiator and mount supports. Also.... can't you just measure from the front axle to get the rear CL located. IE, 110" wheel base center to center?
Just my 2¨÷ cents
James
Just my 2¨÷ cents
James
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
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From: Iowa
wheel centerline
I am not so sure that is a safe assumption for 53-56 anyway. I purchased the No Limit Volare video which stated the new clip should be moved forward of the suspension bumper (1 or 1 1/2 inches as I recall) to bring the front tires to center of wheel openings. They stated when stock the wheels crowd the rear of the opening on 53-56. I can't verify if stock Effies in fact crowd to the rear. I do know I meticulously measured and used the bumper reference. My wheels are now noticably forward in the openings. I just posted a new PIC on my web page which clearly shows in my case lining up with the bumpers would have been better than the forward offeset. I think it would be advisable to find center before the sheetmetal is removed and put a reference mark on the frame.
Dewayne
Dewayne
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wheel centerline
IIRC, the stock front axle location is not centered on the wheel opening on the 53-56's. I think that 1-1.5 inch relocation is recommended on any IFS for those years. Can anyone else confirm that??
'fatfender'": Regarding the picture in your gallery, it is taken from an angle and thus you see a gap behind the front tire. How is it when you look directly from the side (at a 90 deg angle from the side)??? - is the wheel centered in the fender opening then??
'fatfender'": Regarding the picture in your gallery, it is taken from an angle and thus you see a gap behind the front tire. How is it when you look directly from the side (at a 90 deg angle from the side)??? - is the wheel centered in the fender opening then??
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
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From: Iowa
wheel centerline
Blatherskite
Sorry it took me so long to notice your question. Yes, the angle does exaggerate the wheel offset in the photo of my 53 on my webpage. However, the wheel is in fact forward of center in my wheel wells. I am sure it is probably just caused by the placement of my sheetmetal. Only point being, I think you need to measure and mark prior to disassembly if you want to be sure your new clip is dead center. I think your mileage may vary just a bit if you use assume the bumpstops are perfectly centered with your wheel opening.
Dewayne
Sorry it took me so long to notice your question. Yes, the angle does exaggerate the wheel offset in the photo of my 53 on my webpage. However, the wheel is in fact forward of center in my wheel wells. I am sure it is probably just caused by the placement of my sheetmetal. Only point being, I think you need to measure and mark prior to disassembly if you want to be sure your new clip is dead center. I think your mileage may vary just a bit if you use assume the bumpstops are perfectly centered with your wheel opening.
Dewayne
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Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,730
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From: Waynesville, OH
wheel centerline
One thing I noticed on my 56 is that the axle overtravel bumper is about 1" or so ahead of the axle with normal load on the front end. That makes perfect sense if you remember that the bumper is placed where the axle WILL BE when the springs are straightened out under excessive load. The front spring mounting links on the stock suspension make the front axle move forward a bit as you load up the suspension.
Sooooo, for the stock suspension under normal loading the axle overtravel bumpers are an inch or so forward of where the center of the wheels sit. If the Ford engineers put the bumpers dead center in the wheel openings the front wheels will, in fact, crowd the rear of the opening by an inch or so under normal loads. Now, the question is, are the bumpers located dead center in the front fender wheel well openings? Can't help there as my fenders are in a barn and my suspension is in my garage. ;-)
George
Sooooo, for the stock suspension under normal loading the axle overtravel bumpers are an inch or so forward of where the center of the wheels sit. If the Ford engineers put the bumpers dead center in the wheel openings the front wheels will, in fact, crowd the rear of the opening by an inch or so under normal loads. Now, the question is, are the bumpers located dead center in the front fender wheel well openings? Can't help there as my fenders are in a barn and my suspension is in my garage. ;-)
George
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Joe Kucinski
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From: Blenheim, Ontario, Canada
wheel centerline
Everything Ive read in the classic truck magazines indicate that the stock axle is rearward in the wheelwell and any revision to front suspension should include moving the axle forward. the distance suggested varies from an inch to an inch and a half.
I just reviewed the pictures i took at Pigeon Forge to determine spindle centerline height wrt bumper height and noticed that a bunch of them have the wheel centre rearward in the wheel opening.
Therefore, I do believe that you want to set the axle forward from its stock position. Now the question that is raised is, what is the reference. i was assuming that the bump stop was indeed the centerline but fatfender's experience leads me to question this. by the way, Dwayne, i liked the look of your latest picture sufficiently to use it as my wallpaper but it certainly does appear that the axle is slightly forward in the wheel well. Nice looking truck. Your tucked rear bumper interests me as well.
John
I just reviewed the pictures i took at Pigeon Forge to determine spindle centerline height wrt bumper height and noticed that a bunch of them have the wheel centre rearward in the wheel opening.
Therefore, I do believe that you want to set the axle forward from its stock position. Now the question that is raised is, what is the reference. i was assuming that the bump stop was indeed the centerline but fatfender's experience leads me to question this. by the way, Dwayne, i liked the look of your latest picture sufficiently to use it as my wallpaper but it certainly does appear that the axle is slightly forward in the wheel well. Nice looking truck. Your tucked rear bumper interests me as well.
John
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From: Iowa
wheel centerline
John
Thanks for the kind words about my truck. I now have PICs of the tucked rear bumper mounts I made. If you or anyone else would like them, email me from my website. They are not that attractive but are hidden from view very well when installed. Back to the subject of the thread. No Limit says to go 1 to 1 1/2 forward of the bump stop hole and I have a lot of faith in their guidance. I just think there may be something weird about my truck. It has parts from at least 5 or more trucks. I believe the sheetmetal is assembled correctly (or at least real close) My front wheels are now an inch forward of center. My only point is it would be prudent to verify center of front wheel opening prior to disassembly of sheetmetal.
Dewayne
Thanks for the kind words about my truck. I now have PICs of the tucked rear bumper mounts I made. If you or anyone else would like them, email me from my website. They are not that attractive but are hidden from view very well when installed. Back to the subject of the thread. No Limit says to go 1 to 1 1/2 forward of the bump stop hole and I have a lot of faith in their guidance. I just think there may be something weird about my truck. It has parts from at least 5 or more trucks. I believe the sheetmetal is assembled correctly (or at least real close) My front wheels are now an inch forward of center. My only point is it would be prudent to verify center of front wheel opening prior to disassembly of sheetmetal.
Dewayne
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