Swap Spindle Arms

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2013: Swap Spindle Arms
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Seth from NC on Thursday, September 12, 2013 - 09:12 am:

Hey everybody - I searched my question a lot but never could find a good answer. I just ordered a new dropped axle for my T speedster - it is a 3" drop and stretched to maintain the 52" kingpin to kingpin.

I'm pretty sure looking at what I have right now that when I put everything together with the new axle my tie rod will contact the bottom of the oil pan neck, but only just barely.

What I'm thinking of doing is just removing the spindle arms, swapping left and right, and flipping them 180*. I'd be double-checking the front end alignment anyway, but that should give me the little bit extra room I need for everything to clear and be happy (hopefully with minimal adjustment).

My question is: is there any problem with doing that? I'd rather not bend them as I don't feel confident I can bend them identically. Just thought I would ask and see what folks say before I jump in. New axle will be here tomorrow.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Roger Karlsson, southern Sweden on Thursday, September 12, 2013 - 09:17 am:

Getting them out of the spindle without destroying threads can be a pain.. If you succeed, arranging them bent downwards/inwards shouldn't be a problem.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ex trooper on Thursday, September 12, 2013 - 09:28 am:

[IMG]http://i41.tinypic.com/2zjddlv.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i43.tinypic.com/10gmuwx.jpg[/IMG]

Lowered 5-1/2" and extended front axle another 2-1/2" forward. Trial by fire!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Roger Karlsson, southern Sweden on Thursday, September 12, 2013 - 09:48 am:

Yep, moving the axle forwards helps oil pan / tie rod clearance. That's what I did:
front end
(upper wishbone reinforcement not yet mounted in this photo)


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Seth from NC on Thursday, September 12, 2013 - 10:06 am:

Moving the axle forward isn't really in the plans. I'm really shooting for as little adjustment and modification as possible. Hopefully, I can get the spindle arms out and swapped without too much trouble. I just wanted to double check that it wouldnt' create some funky steering issue.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Les Schubert on Thursday, September 12, 2013 - 11:10 am:

Seth
No problem swapping them.
Removal. For me usually they have come right out. Maybe needed a pipe wrench on them to get a little torque. Use your favorite "weasel piss" first. If still a problem a couple of options;
1. Make a "knocker" it could be as simple as a nut AND a bolt threaded in same size as the arm thread. Ideally the nut should be long so things don't bend if you don't quite hit it straight
2. HEAT! Oxy acetylene torch with a good size flame and localized to the "ring" area. If I use heat then my favorite penetrant/lubricant is ordinary candle wax applied when the wax still melts good but doesn't smoke much


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