Sorry if this sounds like a stupid question but here goes. Is there a front & back of a dropped axle? Or does it matter what way it goes? If it can be installed backwards; what is the easiest way to tell the correct side? Again sorry if the question sounds stupid.
Did you try the little locking pin for the kingpin? Most go in one way and on the back side some act as the spindle stop.
I was ready to draw you a picture. Glad you figured it out, my drawing is terrible. As you have learned, there is no front or back, but when you put those pins in to retain the kingpin, just go from front to back, which will put that long nut on the backside to act as a steering stop. You might also have to dress up the diameter of those pins a little as they sometimes are too fat to go in deep enough. Just a little dressing with a grinder will remove enough material to let them go in. Haven't seen that problem much with original kingpin sets, but only with some aftermarket brands. Don
Thanks Don. I'm a little slow today. While we are on the subject: I was installing the spring and I have some questions. The spacers go on top of the spring right? I think I have to open up all the center holes in the spacers & the bottom plate that holds the spring in as the screw heads don't fit through the holes provided. Again sorry for all the questions but I guess that what this place is for.
Jim, If you look closely you should see that the hole for the king pin locks are tapered. The lock pins go in from the front ,threaded end first and the round headed nut is on the back side . That round head nut is also the steering stop. The large end of the lock pin should pull almost flush with the axle face. ..................Jack
Sorry, Jim, not understanding what spacers you mean. Do you have a monoleaf front spring ? Those come with spacers, but regular leaf springs do not. Don
Don I have a new speedway forged dropped axle and multi leaf spring with reversed eyes. Without the spacers the spring sits up into the cross member so far that when I put the center shackle on it hits the bottom of the cross member not the spring. So the spring is just dangling loosely. I could take some pictures if that will help? I cant draw either.
Sounds to me like If you want it low …………. Spacers under the spring pack If you want it high ………… Spacers on top of the spring pack
Thats kinda what I was thinking but the spacers are not curved so I would think they would have to go on the top but then how do you keep the spring located in the center?
You aren't the only one. I spoke with my buddy Bob today and I had him scratching his head. He said he needs to find out too as he is doing a 31 5 window and ordered his spring the other day. I will get a picture in the morning.
Well if you put um on top you’d need to bolt them to the pack …. You need a longer center bolt
I'd add the spacers to the bottom. As long as the spring center bolt fits up into the front cross-member, that will keep the spring/axle centered in the chassis. If you want, you can replace the center bolt with a longer one ( available through your local NAPA store) and bolt the spacers right to the spring. If you decide to go that way, put a couple c-clamps on the spring to hold the assembly together while you replace the spring bolt. Save you some time and the spring won't blow apart when you remove the current bolt.
Sounds good but I'm still going to have to drill out the center hole in the spacer to clear the bolt holding the spring together. I will get that done in the morning. Looks like I'll be snowed in for a bit anyway. Twenty five degrees outside 60 degrees inside...WooHoo I love my new heated floor.
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