Wheel base OFF What to do
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From: I live in Mustang, OK
Wheel base OFF What to do
I marked the rear end on the 50f1 when I took it out. When I try to hang the jag irs the wheel base on the drivers side is 113 3/8. On the pass side it is 114 as it should be. I measured from different points on the frame. The rear is dead square. And the Jag Ifs is on the marks. Could it just be the front end out of alinement.
Last edited by RUSTY50F1; Sep 30, 2007 at 12:48 PM.
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From: I live in Mustang, OK
Thanks Brian I know my frame is out of square about a 1/4 of an inch I'm trying to square it up now. that might help some. I know they are made to flex. Could be some of it.
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1/4" is not much at all. I bet most new frames are not much closer than that.
Is that overall (front to back)? Each section (between the crossmembers) could be out just a little with our ladder type frames. One one way and the next a little off the other way.
50+ years who knows what has been done to them and what sort of loads they have had on them.
I wish I was around to help. I used to straighten totalled cars. I never had a frame table, just a good tape measure and a home made frame machine (10 ton hydraulic ram). We never got them perfect, but that is what the 4 wheel alignment was for.
Is that overall (front to back)? Each section (between the crossmembers) could be out just a little with our ladder type frames. One one way and the next a little off the other way.
50+ years who knows what has been done to them and what sort of loads they have had on them.
I wish I was around to help. I used to straighten totalled cars. I never had a frame table, just a good tape measure and a home made frame machine (10 ton hydraulic ram). We never got them perfect, but that is what the 4 wheel alignment was for.
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Northshore, MN
have you measured it diagonally from front to back? that'll show if the frame has a diamond shape to it. I'd try for 1/4" if it was me.
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From: I live in Mustang, OK
Ok I know the tow in is off a little on the front. I put the rear right under the bump stops. measured the frame criss cross. It's great 1/16 out of square. At this time I have 113 7/8 on both sides. I'm going to mark the rear cross member and task weld it where it is. I think for some reason the front wheels are about a 1/2 inch back from original. Not sure why. A come along and a chain brought the frame back. I hope.
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Are you at the correct wheel base for yours now?
Ours are 110", but should be 111". Some of the lowering springs actually move the front axle center forward to where it should be. LOL
Look at the front wheel/fender of the stock 53-56 and you will see what I mean.
Ford messed up?
Ours are 110", but should be 111". Some of the lowering springs actually move the front axle center forward to where it should be. LOL
Look at the front wheel/fender of the stock 53-56 and you will see what I mean.
Ford messed up?
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From: Moro Bay, AR
[QUOTE=RUSTY50F1]Ok I know the tow in is off a little on the front.[QUOTE]
Rusty, are you trying to measure the wheelbase by using the center of the front hub? If so, if the front wheels are not exactly straight, you will be off by quite a bit. Try using a stationary point on the front suspension, like the grease fitting on the lower ball joint to measure from, this doesn't move when the wheels are turned, so it will always be in the same place.
Rusty, are you trying to measure the wheelbase by using the center of the front hub? If so, if the front wheels are not exactly straight, you will be off by quite a bit. Try using a stationary point on the front suspension, like the grease fitting on the lower ball joint to measure from, this doesn't move when the wheels are turned, so it will always be in the same place.
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From: I live in Mustang, OK
Thanks mechmagcn. I never though of that Da. That would make good sence. And a lot easier. I thought I had it all set, but the cross member was out of level, when I leveled it every thing else moved to. Now I'm back to the beginning again. I'm beginning to think this is a loosing battle. Been on it for two days and not right yet. I hoped to get the motor set up to do the motor mounts. Maybe next weekend.
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From: Moro Bay, AR
Don't get discouraged Rusty. If you think installing the Jag suspension is tough, try installing a frame graft and trying to get that lined up. Step back, maybe try a few of Bobby's frosties (enough of these and you won't care if it runs backwards, at least while under the influence), and then look at it again. Thing will work out in the end.
Roast em' if you got 'em
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From: Rio Rancho, NM
Did someone say frosties?????
Rusty, I feel for ya, it sounds like the frustration level is geting pretty high. Actually th esuggestions for a few frosties is a good one. Step back and take a few deep breaths and relax a bit. Maybe walk away for a few days or work on something else.
After that I'd pretty much start from square one. Find some decent stationary points on the frame and measure it up, get it where you are happy, then start levelig up the x-member and finally the rear suspension.
this time it will all fall into place (at least thats what I always tell myself)
Good luck
Bobby
Rusty, I feel for ya, it sounds like the frustration level is geting pretty high. Actually th esuggestions for a few frosties is a good one. Step back and take a few deep breaths and relax a bit. Maybe walk away for a few days or work on something else.
After that I'd pretty much start from square one. Find some decent stationary points on the frame and measure it up, get it where you are happy, then start levelig up the x-member and finally the rear suspension.
this time it will all fall into place (at least thats what I always tell myself)
Good luck
Bobby
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From: I live in Mustang, OK
Well it's Monday morning. I quit working on the truck yesterday about 4 in the afternoon.(To keep from throwing things) I'm going to try again using a stationary point this time. Thanks for the help
mechmagcn,bobbytnm. (The frosties helped. My head is clear this morning) I'm off work today so we'll thy it again.
mechmagcn,bobbytnm. (The frosties helped. My head is clear this morning) I'm off work today so we'll thy it again.
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
I wouldn't worry too much about being off 1/8 of an inch. I doubt if even factory standards were that close front to rear when these trucks were built. It's not worth beating yourself up over. Have another frostie beverage and move on... 