I tried a search, but couldn't find what I'm looking for. Does anyone have the kingpin axis inclination spec for a '32 heavy axle? I have an axle that was dropped "back in the day" by MorDrop. I've heard that some didn't hold camber that well. I figure if I checked the kingpin axis inclination before mounting the spindles and getting in under the car it might give me a clue of what shape the axle in really in. I just can't find a degree spec for what it should be. Thanks.
From the 1936 edition of "Ford Service School Wheel Alignment". The sideways inclination of the spindle pin from vertical is 7 degrees. The angle of the spindle from horizontal is 2 degrees. Camber plus side inclination spec for 32-48 Max. 9 degrees Min. 8 1/4 degrees Camber 32-48 Max. 1 degree Min. 1/4 degree (Maximum variation between wheels is 1/4 degree. Camber of RH wheel should NEVER be greater than LH wheel) Caster 32-48 Max. 9 degrees Min. 4 1/2 degrees (Max. variation between wheels 1/2 degree. Toe-in 32-35, 3/32" 36-48, 1/16" (Toe-in must be in proportion to Camber. Use ratio of 1 to 10.)
Most of the inclination is from the spindle, not the axle. Look at the first picture on this page. http://books.google.com/books?id=b_...ts=GIJe8ZFCi2&sig=eez08YUhKjyyhzITOe_PpRx9_qU
Thanks. Yes I'm aware of the spindle component. I've got new spindles. I just wanted to check out the axle to try to get an idea if it may need to be bent to get back into spec.
Make up 4 longish rods that fit or can be wedged into the perch and kingpin holes--then you can psycho****yze your axle by comparing and by sighting along your rods. Ends may ultimately need to be re-twisted to keep caster correct at finished ride height and for compensating for ch***is rake.
The inclination is 7 degrees. Put two long rods that fit tight in the king pin holes level the axle off the two perch holes. Then check the degree of your rods coming out of the king pin holes. They should both read 7 degrees. www.droppedaxles.com
48-52 F-1 trucks are also 7 degree with a .8125 size kingpin. The right spindle off a F-1 is the same as a 46-48 Ford car spindle except it only has one tie rod hole since F-1 pickups were side steer and not cross steer.
If you want to make some snug fitting temporary kingpins to mount your spindles, what I did before was take two grey plastic (ABS?) pipe ******s about 8" long and slit them lengthwise with a die grinder with a cutoff wheel. After you cut a slit in the plastic pipes, just tap them in with mallet. The tapered threads at both ends make it easy to get it started in there. They hold everything snug kind of like giant plastic roll pins, but they won't scratch the bushings. And just use a socket wrench and a rubber mallet to knock them back out again when you're done. The plastic pipe cuts like ****er with an abrasive wheel in a die grinder. I think I cut out a slit about 1/4" wide by making two p***es.
Here is a article I found on the internet for Model A's for Wheel alignment http://home3.inet.tele.dk/forda/technical/page21.htm