trouble with I beam front end

[Flattiesteve]

Gday guys
Things are moving with the roadster project. Being a tight arse I was hoping to use the stock axle (early mod 1930's??)the spring I bougt is 31 1/2". Anyways.. after fitting the spindles and steering arms on i found the arms touch the axle as they turn! Got out the hacksaw and took off 1/4"from where the arms bolt on to the spindles - still no good. Took the grinder to the axle and still no good - dont want to hack too much out of the axle as an inspector needs to approve it so it needs to look unmolested. waved the grinder over the steering arms where they touch too but still cant get clearance without pretty much butchering them. At $200 a set the arms arent cheap.

Has anyone had this problem? Will I have to go for a dropped axle to get enoughh clearance?
Thanks for any constructive advice
Steve

[Missing Link]

I wish I had an answer for you. i am not quite understanding your situation...I'm the dumb ass drunk guy on the HAMB tonight. But, alas, I be a dumb ass. Keeping an eye on this post though.

[Andy]

Bolt on arms usually clear. Can you post some pics? Can't understand what could be wrong. Good luck

[Flat Ernie]

Might be a dumb question, but is the steering box hooked up? Or are you just turning the arms on the spindles? Also do you have the spindle lock pins in correctly? They often serve as steering stops.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Christian]

sounds to me you installed the spindles upside-down

[Flattiesteve]

Thanks for the input guys -
Spindles seem to be in the right way and I ground off the casting lip from the underside of the axle as well as a bit off one of the steer arms and Ive got about 5mm of daylight all round. Should be enough. Try to post some pics - out of batteries at moment.

Steve

[Mart]

You have the thrust washer below the axle don't you??
Mart.

[LOST ANGEL]

http://pic2.picturetrail.com/VOL39/1174672/2221750/63437241.jpg

This is a later axle but the theory and assembly are the same.-MIKE http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Flattiesteve]

Thanks again for your help guys. I polished up the steering arms like factory and dressed the axle and took it to the engineer - he said clearance fine but not enough steering lock side to side! The bolt ends hit the axle so out with the file to radius the axle some more. If I change the bolts from normal type to button-head allen key types I should get enough.