Swap-meet Ford spindles???

OK, what do I have here? The area machined for the axle and bearing is only 2 1/2". Too small for any axle I have, including a '32.

 

Whether it's the '37 to '41, '42 to '48 or the earlier type like the picture, the distance between the kingpin bushing areas is 2.326/2.335". Stock '32 axles measure 1.776/1.787". These dimensions are from stock Ford parts.

 

Look like 37-41 spindles machined to fit F1/F100 backing plates.

 

If they are modified 37-41 round flange spindles the 78- mark should still be visible since they aren't polished.

28-early 36 spindles have a slightly longer stub axle than the 37-41 or 42-48 spindles and a smaller backing plate flange and bolt pattern

48- marking indicates 35-early 36.
68- marking indicates late 36, shorter stub axle like 37-41 but smaller bolt pattern on flange like 28-early 36.
78- marking indicates 37-41
21A- marking indicates 42-48

 

Those are 35 or 36 spindles. One year is slightly longer on the spindle snout, but I don't know which is which.

 

36 is longer^^^

 

kingpin diameter the same from 37-48?

 

Kingpin diameter is the same 28-48 car and pickup and 48-52 Pickups.

Breaks down to:
28-31 with brake cup on top
32-34 with brake cup on top
35-36 with brake cup on top
37-41 flat top
42-48(and 48-52 pickups is the same) flat top

 

Could also be 40-48 Lincoln. Lincoln king pins are a little shy of 1".

 

Look like 37-41 spindles machined to fit F1/F100 backing plates.

 

Some of this is a little confusing to me. Without getting into the decimal points,
Ford axles are approx 2-3/8" tall at the kingpin bosses, '28-'48 car and 1/2 ton along with '48-'52 F-1 etc trucks.
'28-'36 spindles have approx 2-1/2" between the kingpin ears. They fit over the axle
and a felt seal, the thrust bearing goes on top. These have 3/8" holes for the backing plates.
'37-'41 roundback and '42-'48 squareback spindles are approx 2-7/8" between the kingpin ears. They fit over the axle and the thrust bearing. These have 1/2" mounting
holes.
You don't have to "machine" a spindle to fit F-100 backing plates. '28-'35 fit with a centering ring and bearing spacer, you also need to elongate the bolt holes or address
the hole difference in your favorite way. '36 is the same; but the bearing spacer is not needed. '37-'41 roundback spindles bolt up directly but need a little grinding on the top to clear the wheel cylinder. '42-'48 squareback spindles work as is.
IMHO pre '37 spindles usually are not worth the extra work and cost involved, unless
you have side steer and want to use the '32-'34 spindles with the great looking integral steering arm.