OK, I have read every thread on the whole 41-48 lincoln brake issues, I just need a sanity check, Ive seen some guys coming unglued about the axle vs the spindle issue, tell me if Im tracking. I picked up a great set of 47 lincoln front brakes, complete with drums, and spindles, everything is amazing inside these things from the local junk yard (I was trying to find some front 40 fords for my 30 coupe, and found these babys), I got thoes spindles plus I already had some 37-41 ford spindles, which do I use? I have heard 2 different things, some say I can only use the 47 lincoln spindles, and Ill have to tweak the camber on my axle about 3 degrees, from +2 to -1 to get it right. I have also heard that I just need to grind my ford spindles to get them to match up , or there is simply an adaptor plate. Which is it? Let me know...
Ok camber should not matter a **** as that is set by your axle and i think that the spindles are set at zero (tell me if i'm wrong)Now if you use the later hubs and spindles i.e square backed spindles you should be ok bar some grinding if however you use later spindles with early hubs you will also need a bearing change .A kit i believe speedway do............Marq
Here is a set of the later (deep recess) 12" Lincoln brakes on 37-41 Ford spindles. It's difficult to see but there is a painted spacer/adapter between the spindle flange and the backing plate. You can see the spacer edge along the bottom. Roughly 3/4 of an inch thick. I believe you have to do some clearance grinding along the top of the Ford spindle. You may be able to compare your spindle to this one. I have the 47 style spindles and I'm actually looking for the 37-41 style to mount my 47 Lincoln brakes. The Lincoln spindles have about 4 deg. less king pin inclination than the Ford spindles. They will fit the Ford axle but the wheels will be 4 degrees out of plomb (camber) unless the axle is bent to make up the difference. I bought a flea market old dropped axle. When I mounted the Ford spindles, they pointed to the ground until I bent the axle to correct it. It seems that the axle once had been fitted with Lincoln spindles.
There is one more problem. The Lincoln spindles use a biger diameter king pin. The bushings in the Lincoln spindle must be special made so the Ford pin can be used. The other option is to modify the axle but that is a bad idea.
Hey guys I really appreciate the tech help, The brakes are in such amazing shape that I cant wait to slap them on, I finish my vacation on friday and then its back home with these..and let the fun (or swearing and bleeding) begin as I try to get them to fit. Kris
I can take no credit for this other than the photograph. The car is a 32 Vicky that had a big spread in Street Rodder a while back.
I have been running 46-48 Lincoln Backing Plates on 46-48 Ford spindles for 15 years, with just a slight amount of grinding of the tops of the spindles and the hat on top of the king pins. I also use the Lincoln Brake Drums, as they are very heavy duty with cooling ribs around the cir***frunce.
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