So rebuilt my hubs, brakes, backing plates, had the spindles reamed at a machine shop. All the part were puchased along the way and and I have never had the together. Finally got some time to assemble the front end and it looks like the spindle is bent. The hub sits out about 3/16 more at the bottom than the top. If I remove the outer bearing its clear that its bent. After cursing at it for a good 10 minutes it didnt get any better. Spindles is the passenger side squareback So the question is can do I start to hunt a new one down or can it be straightened/bent back?? If it can be bent any ideas on how to do so?
Far better to get a nother one that is not bent,there just not that hard to get,so not a thing to take a change with at all/
Could possibly be heated and moved back to almost right. But why take the risk on a critically important steering part. If you go that route magnaflux it for cracks. A new spindle will also help you to sleep better.
I think he's talking about a '42-'48 Ford spindle. No ball joints on those. I also agree...find a good spindle. The square backs are easy and cheap enough to find.
You ARE sure that the spindle is bent, and it's not the axle, right? You should check the king pin angle on both sides.
Is not the axle. He's looking at how the angle of the spindle itself is. I agree. This is a critical part. Even if you could straighten it ... It would always be in the back of your mind. Replace it.
No ball joint on a Ford I beam axle. Now I see that someone else caught that too. mi_engr it looks like that "great" swap meet deal on the spindles wasn't all that great but we all have been through that one before.
Logic told me to get a new one...I was looking for a reason to ignore it. Already got a post up in the wanted section. Trying to get my vin verified so I will leave the part on for now...just another delay. Thanks for all the responses, and confirming my suspisions Mr48...no kidding huh, you never know.
Are you comparing to the backing plate or is it krooked to the "world"? Either case... I would make sure the backing plate is not bent ...or in the other case you may have a Lincoln spindle instead of a ford one..
If your spindle snout is bent the brake drum will not spin as it will contact and rub on the backing plate or the brake shoes. If you have cut off the steering arms and installed the spindle upside down the spindle will index with the upper face of the hub tapering at an angle to the center of the car, thus the hub wider at the bottom than the top. The spindle has positive camber so the top of the hub has to point away from the center of the car. Post a picture of your issue and you can get a better response as to your problem.
Dick, the snout is bent and doing exactly that what you describe. The drum is locked up against the backing plate and shoes at the top. Arms are still on it, so it right side up. Tried using parts from the other side that spins with the same result. I have accepted that I need a new one...bummer, and another set back However the PD is coming over this weekend to check the VIN so its staying together for the time being
Wow, I don't think that I've ever seen one bent "up". The car it came off of must have fallen off a roof.
It can be straightened in an arbor press. I would probably find a straight one if it were mine but it can be straightened.
Good news is I got a few offers on the spindle. Looking forward to actually having a roller. Thanks HAMB
Problem solved...new spindle installed and I now have a roller!! I love the HAMB, gentleman from AZ sent me one to check out, without payment, on the honor system based only on my membership here. He earned some major CARma...and a check.
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