How do you check Ford spindles for straightness??

I've got a pair of '46 -'48 Ford spindles that I'd like to chrome. Before I do, how can I be sure they're not bent?

 

I chuck them up in the lathe and check total runout between centers.

 

Chuck the spindle in a lathe. Use a dial indicator to see if the at***ude of the spindle plate changes as you turn the chuck; the four brake backing-plate bolt holes are convenient places to check. If you don't have a dial indicator, you can lock the carriage and use the cross-slide to indicate the run-out at each of the bolt holes.

A small deflection can be corrected by t******* both sides of the spindle plate. T******* too much weakens the plate and starts to upset your caster setting.

A large deflection may indicate structural damage to the spindle.

 

Thanks guys! I had thought of this, but don't have access to a lathe.
Any other methods?

 

Use a drill press in the same way. Get them crack tested before shelling out on chrome too.

 

You should also mock up the front suspension on your frame and set the ackerman and tie rod clearance before having any parts chromed.

 

I wouldn't chrome them....chroming causes Hydrogen Embrittlement.....My 2 cents

 

other than modified/bent steering arms , i have never seen a bent one.....has anyone?

 

Put them in service (better) or a full mock up, make sure you arms are correct, everything functions as it should, then send them out to get maga fluxed , then the chromer.

You could start with a magna flux too - if you are concerned about them being bent it might not be a bad idea.

 

A lot of people talk about that. I woild think the penitration is only a fraction of an inch. Many big dollar race cars have had chrome suspension parts. Never semed to be much of a problem.
Remember not to chrome the bearing surfaces, the chrome builds up and bearings and nuts don't fit.

 

The only place i'd worry about h.e. Is if you were dipping an old spring