Front axle shifted

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2012: Front axle shifted
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Greg Kuhnash Southeastern Ohio on Thursday, May 17, 2012 - 08:37 am:

When I bought my 27 pick up about 5 years ago the front end was plum wore out. I re-bushed everything and tightened it up. When I tried to align the front end it appeared the front end was shifted to the right side and not square to the frame.
The main leaf of the spring is not exactly in line with the others, its further back on one side and further forward on the other. I have checked the length of the radius arms, both are equal, and I even tweaked the ball cap thinking I could shift it, it appeared bent and I brought it back in line. Still no change. The rear engine mounts appear to have the same clearance between them and the frame, so it appears the engine is square to the frame.
The truck is together and I cannot figure out how to check to see if the frame is somehow bent.
The truck spent some time on a farm with kids driving it around the fields until the band were worn out and then it sat. I am thinking one side of the frame may be pushed back causing the front cross member not to be square to the frame. Could this be possible?
This problem makes the truck pull to the right and is wearing my tires. I have tried to align it 3 or 4 times but I am at my witts end.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By William Harper - Keene, NH on Thursday, May 17, 2012 - 08:49 am:

Hi Greg,

It is possible that the spring's tie bolt, which runs through the center of the spring, may have broken. This can then allow the leaves to shift a tad and can likewise allow the axle to shift which not only wreaks havoc with the alignment, it can be dangerous.

Good luck with your project. Bill


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bob Shirley on Thursday, May 17, 2012 - 08:52 am:

It sounds like the bolt that goes through the spring is broke or missing. The square head of this bolt also anchors the spring in the frame.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Patrick on Thursday, May 17, 2012 - 12:24 pm:

I would take off the spring and check for the center bolt as mentioned above. Also make sure you have the (2) U shaped retainers that hold the spring leaves in line with eachother. Lastly, I would check the front motor mount/front spring hanger, which, in 1927 consisted of a single clamp which held the spring up against the underside of the front cross member.

I once noticed my front spring was tilted in the wrong direction and came to discover that the front two threaded front spring clamp studs that hold the front spring were totally stripped allowing the spring to wobble to and fro. Using a die of the next smaller size, I re-threaded the clamp threads and put on smaller nuts. Problem solved. Had I not discovered it, it could have been a disaster. While you're at it, you need to lubricate between your spring leaves with Tractor Supply, slip plate (www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/80257/113943.html) and replace the rubber spring pad between the spring and the front cross member. Jim Patrick


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Patrick on Thursday, May 17, 2012 - 12:56 pm:

PS. Here is a '26-27 front motor mount/front spring hanger like the one that striped out on me. This one is currently for sale on ebay, if you need one. Jim Patrick


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Charlie B actually in Toms River N.J. on Thursday, May 17, 2012 - 01:26 pm:

Checking/repairing this isn't a huge job. The biggest problem you might encounter is getting jack stands tall enough to hold the frame while you work! Order a center bolt and spring pad first. Put two C-clamps on the spring to prevent any "surprises" before you un-bolt it from the frame. It sounds like the guy's said: a broken center bolt and you never know where those leaves will go when you take the pressure off.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Thode Chehalis Washington on Thursday, May 17, 2012 - 02:14 pm:

Greg,
Your frame could be squehawed. Here is a drawing of the frame, to check to see if it is square measure corner to corner across each diagonal. With the frame in the vehicle you may have to use a plum-bob or other innovative measurement methods to get good measurements. These diagonal measurements should be the same.

Since the frame rails are parallel you may also be able to use a square (maybe a drywall square)to check to see it the frame is square.

Jim





Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Wayne Sheldon, Grass Valley, CA on Friday, May 18, 2012 - 01:37 am:

It is difficult, but not impossible to pull a frame straight under the car. First is to check the frame and spring as described above to determine what the problem is. Hopefully, the problem is the spring. Easy fix. If it isn't the spring, elaborate for more answers.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Greg Kuhnash Southeastern Ohio on Friday, May 18, 2012 - 09:44 am:

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. The spring will come off first for inspection.
The frames drawing is great, exactly what I was looking for I'll keep for reference. I'll post what I find later in the week.

greg


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