I am working on the front end of my 1913.
Noted that the left (driver's) spindle is "twisted".
How common is it for this to occur?
Looks like I need a replacement early spindle!
Send me a PM,I have some.jackdaron@aol.com
I have never seen one like that! It looks to be a genuine Transue/Williams early spindle. I can't see any sign of welding, damage or tampering from the photos. Is it possible a few early (late 1910) had straight spindle arms? It would appear that the chamfer is on the wrong side for that. Hopefully one of the real early T experts can shed some light here because I am curious. I cannot see how it could be damaged in that way without some other serious distortions.
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2
I have a similar spindle hanging on a nail in the shop - there's a reason there are some N.O.S. parts still around !
Charles, when you say early spindle, I think one piece(the arm is part of the spindle, not removable)
The spindle I described is very hard to find.
The one you show should be the one used for a number of years. The standard Ford one should be fairly easy to find. That accessory one if that is what we are looking at, next to impossible.
I have never seen the spindle arm hole at that angle. I am not fimilar with the brand Wayne talked about. (after market????)
Willie,
"I am not familiar with the brand Wayne talked about."
Yes, you are. Transue/Williams was Ford's supplier for many of the T forgings. It's "standard issue".
I realize the very early were one piece. The one I am showing has a full round shoulder and preceded the one with the flat side on the shoulder.
I am posting more photos of the one I have. As Wayne noted there is no sign of any other damage. But it certainly is angled. WHY or HOW is the question.
,
,
I can only post a few photos at a time. Bear with me.
And finally.
I don't know why it is screwed up, but it is screwed up. Both Dodge Brothers and T-W made front axle assemblies for Ford at that time. You should be able to find one easily. Try Mark Freimiller or John Danuser or Lang's or Chaffins. All have a good supply of this type of used item normally.
I might also add that I do not believe it is bent but forged incorrectly - I'm not positive one can be bent in the position that it is. Mine is deformed exactly but mine is a later style w/flats on each side and Ford script.
The photos may be deceiving, but that looks like it could be straightened.
I'll ask a stupid question. Are you 100% sure it's from a Model T? Does the part number make sense for a T spindle? Is it actually marked "Ford"?
I'll admit, it looks very much like a T spindle, except for the funky angle that appears to be intentional, versus the result of damage.
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/118802/148927.html?1278303730
This one has the Transue/Williams logo and the part number 203-204 and then what looks like a backward 7. I looked the number up and 203B and 204B were the numbers for the "bare spindle".
I also have had one like that,and didnt look at all damaged.I have to say the one I had was made that was also.I did find a nice straight one to replace it and its on the car now,set the toe and all is well!!
It is unlikely the forging was done wrong AND the machining too. Seeing as how it's got the right Ford part number on it, I would say it was a good part that got damaged in use.
I don't have it so try the rest sorry Johnd