Early Ford Spindles/Kingpins

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I brought my front axle home today. It doesn't work with my spindles and N.O.S. kingpin set. The axle boss measures 2 3/8" long but there's only 2 1/2" inside the spindle bosses. Not sufficient room for the thrust bearing to fit in there. The kingpin is .81" dia. and fits both the axle and the spindle bushings. It appears that I have the wrong spindles for the combination. The spindle/drum bearings fit the '37 Ford wide-5 drums however. Any old Ford experts here ? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[tommy]

My axle boss measures 2 3/8 the spindle opening between the bosses measure about 2 7/8 leaving room for the bearing and shims.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

tommy....those spindles sound like what I need. Do you know what year they're off of ?

[k9racer]

I finally got a front 39 hub and drum do you still need it?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

K9racer....nope. I have found a couple of local guys who have everything I need....but thanks !

[Andy]

SJ, I am too tired and lazy to check on it tonight but I feel certain what you have are 32-34 spindles or 28-31 spindles. These spindles carried the bearing above the spindle and under the mechanical brake cup on the king pin. You can use the early king pins but they interfear with the juice brakes( I think) A solution was found by using needle bearings. Go to a good bearing supply and get needle bearings and washers. Use them instead of the regular thrust bearing. Also,The earlier spindles had a different king pin inclination angle. The wheels will be straight up and down instead of leaning out at the top by using the earlier spindles.

[tommy]

These particular ones are 37-41 (round) but all Ford spindles should measure the same in that area. model A thru 48. The 37-41 king pin is shorter than the 42-48 but they all fit the same axle boss.

I think Andys right. The 32 axle boss is still 2 3/8 but the spindle doesn't have the bearing like the newer ones.

[tommy]

SJFAST, I saw you bought nos 36 king pins. Not all Ford king pins interchange. I've always used the hot rod king pin sets because I always use 37-48 spindles. You buy the king pins to match the year of the spindle that you are using. The 36's may or may not work.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Andy....you are absolutely correct and I'm feeling real stupid. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I put the thrust bearing between the cup and the top of the spindle and it all fits together. I have the correct combination of axle, spindle, kingpins, etc. I'll use an Oilite washer to snug the 1/8" or so gap between the spindle boss and the axle boss.

Thanks to everyone who replied.

[beatnik]

I've got a set of those spindles as well they measure 2-1/2" between the spindle bosses, I'm prettys sure Andy is right there are 32-34 spindles. Here's a pic of mine, I was told they were 32's.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Yep....those are the same as mine and all of my '36-'37 stuff fits.

[tommy]

[ QUOTE ]
I've got a set of those spindles as well they measure 2-1/2" between the spindle bosses, I'm prettys sure Andy is right there are 32-34 spindles. Here's a pic of mine, I was told they were 32's.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm interested in finding out what they are. They aren't 32's and I doubt that they are 33-34. I don't have a 34 to check. Model A thru 34 were left side steer.
http://fototime.com/{1BBA75F8-845B-452A-A073-379B2B434CCD}/picture.JPG http://fototime.com/{39789C35-20CD-4957-8EB5-70415AC1E43A}/picture.JPG

32 spindlles have a steering arm cast right on the drivers side top boss for the side steer drag link. The pass side doesn't have the extra cross steer tie rod taper.
http://fototime.com/{60BD9E29-9018-4A0A-95AA-736F32DBA3DE}/picture.JPG
I think the spindle on the left is a 35-36.(looks like yours in the picture) It has the same 2 7/8 opening as the 42- 48 on the right. (I cut the 2nd cross steer boss off of the 48 spindle to use on a deuce.)

[prime mover]

while your on the subject can you guys help me too, I have these and both a 47-48 axle and an A axle, what would be the ideal combo?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

prime mover.....I'm a total novice at this old Ford stuff. That's why I was asking all those questions. It will be better left to someone who has done this before.

[beatnik]

Don't know Tommy, I got them with a bunch of parts, and they have been sitting on a straight axle with a set of 12 spokes in my garage. I just took one off to take a pic because I didn't know for sure what the where. I know they had mechanicle brakes, they still had the king pins with the cup and the push rod.

[tommy]

[ QUOTE ]
while your on the subject can you guys help me too, I have these and both a 47-48 axle and an A axle, what would be the ideal combo?

[/ QUOTE ]
The spindle on the left is the round 37-41 style. I can't make out the other one. They will fit either axle you want to use. Just order king pins for the 37-41 spindle. All the disc brake kits fit this spindle if you want to go that way.

The square spindle in my other post is the 42-48. It fits too but it takes a different length king pin.

[prime mover]

thanks, is there a big width difference between the A axle and the 46-48? I'll choose the one that is closer to my 8 inch rear. I might go with discs if the kit isnt too much, steering will be a big subject much later.