Does this look right?
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 100
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From: Boulder
Does this look right?
I replaced the stock springs with short smooth stacks from Mid-50. After installing them and looking at how the wheel sits in the wheel-well, I'm wondering if it's right.
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From: Grande Prairie, Alberta
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New User
Joined: Aug 2008
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I think they are backwards, i just put new stock springs on rear of my 59 f100.
the distance from pin to eye is an inch or so differance on one end.
the distance from pin to eye is an inch or so differance on one end.
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
I think that the springs are probably installed properly. For some reason lost in history Ford placed the front axle ~ 1-1/2" rearwards of the center of the fender wheel opening on the 53 - 56. Many find this visually objectionable today, so the aftermarket responded by offering two different spring configurations: 1. with the centerbolt in the stock location, 2. with the centerbolt moved forwards 1 1/2" to move the axle to the center of the wheel opening.
If you don't specify you want the axle forwards springs you will typically be sent the stock location ones because in order to use the axle forwards ones you must also replace the drag link with a modified one that has been lengthened that amount as well. If you didn't also order the lengthened drag link it is likely assumed you want the stock location springs.
MF if usually very easy to work with, if you would rather have the centerbolt forwards springs, I'd contact them immediately about an exchange (and to order the longer drag link).
If you don't specify you want the axle forwards springs you will typically be sent the stock location ones because in order to use the axle forwards ones you must also replace the drag link with a modified one that has been lengthened that amount as well. If you didn't also order the lengthened drag link it is likely assumed you want the stock location springs.
MF if usually very easy to work with, if you would rather have the centerbolt forwards springs, I'd contact them immediately about an exchange (and to order the longer drag link).
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: springfield il
yeah ax even my stocker sits backwards a bit 
, and the reasoning im getting is the same as a setback axle heavy truck , it'll turn in a tighter "area" { cant find the word in my head im searching for , old age creeping in !!! } . but if he has the springs with the pin that is forwrd to center 'em they are prolly in backwards .
, and the reasoning im getting is the same as a setback axle heavy truck , it'll turn in a tighter "area" { cant find the word in my head im searching for , old age creeping in !!! } . but if he has the springs with the pin that is forwrd to center 'em they are prolly in backwards .
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,906
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From: Oregon
Well, here's the best way to tell. Go out to your truck with tape in hand, and measure it. Personally, I disagree with ax, I think they look to far rearward. I have seen tons of these trucks, big and small, and that doesn't look right. So, go measure the wheel base. 53-56 F-100's are 110". If it aint that, then you got it wrong. If it is, then that I guess we are all used to seeing the ones with the relocated axles. By measuring it with a tape measure, you'll also answer your own question (soince you wouldn't have asked if you thought it was right), and you'll also be eliminating the need for all of us to speculate from the look of a picture that wasn't taken from a straight side anyhow.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
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From: Durham NC
If he put the forward centerbolt springs in backwards, the stock drag link would be too long (pitman arm would point rewards with wheels straight). If they are the stock location springs, the stock draglink would fit correctly (pitman arm points straight down with wheels straight) and if they are the forward location centerbolt springs installed correctly the OEM drag link would be too short (pitman arm would point forwards with the wheels straight).
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Boulder
Thanks to all for your help. I did not measure the wheel base before I reversed the springs. After reversal the wheels are now 112 inches apart.
Here's to link to the photos as the truck sits now. Photos 5 & 6, then the piman arm and drag link photos 7 & 8.
Picasa Web Albums - Emil - Drop Box
erinaldi
F100 IL6
Here's to link to the photos as the truck sits now. Photos 5 & 6, then the piman arm and drag link photos 7 & 8.
Picasa Web Albums - Emil - Drop Box
erinaldi
F100 IL6