Axle Check

[BPVan]

Going through my suspension, need an opinion on whether my axle is a little bent or I am just seeing things:

[Jeff W]

I just walked over with a creeper and my four foot straight edge. You got problems son.

The bend is right where it looks to be in your photo. That must have been some impact. I don't think even Roger's press will straighten that... and should it be straightened or is it structurally comprimised now? Better ask the experts.

[BPVan]

I just went on a 15 minute walk when you stopped over. Hmm, seems you get a lot done when I'm not around. :p

Anyway, I had a feeling that would be the news. Fortunately I have already contacted a parts guy in MI who has an axle ready to go, I just dread doing the kingpins/spindles, but I want to do it right.

Thanks Jeff, I continue to be in your debt. :BEER:

[Jeff W]

Thanks Jeff, I continue to be in your debt. :BEER:

I think you are going to be in debt with UPS... those things look heavy!

[BPVan]

Nah, Greyhound is far cheaper, I already got some rates its not too bad.

[SmithKid]

I agree regarding kingpins/axles being something to dread. The last ones I did was in the mid-sixties and I still remember it wasn't fun. But it'll be easier to do with the axle on the bench. Good Luck!

[Luva65wagon]

It's always the spindles that need the reaming if they need it, but getting the old bushings out, the new ones in - the reaming/honing. Fun stuff. I know my pickup needs them too. Just keep putting it off. The press is yours to use if you need it, but I'd probably suggest taking the spindles where they can do both the pressing and reaming to size.

[BPVan]

Perhaps we can have an axle party at your place and get them both done?

[redfalken]

I don't know where it came from but I have a kingpin reamer if you need it. It looks like it's never been used but...it's probably close to 100 years old. There's a little bit of the box left and I think it said Model T!

Did they change much from the early 1900s to the `60s???

[SmithKid]

I'm pretty sure I have the reamer around someplace also. The rig i was working on was a late 40's or early 50's Ford pickup. Shimmied and shook like crazy!

[Luva65wagon]

King pins come in all shapes and sizes, so you have to have a reamer that adjusts to the size of the pin.

I drive my truck to the dump 4 times a year and to the hardware store maybe - so it's not a critical repair for me at the moment. But if you want to bring your stuff up and use the press you are still welcome.

[BPVan]

Thanks Roger, I appreciate that and I will take you up on that as I need to press the seals out of the leaf springs too. GOt everything out this morning, now on to cleaning parts and the under carriage for undercoating and getting the axle parts taken apart. Happy 4th everyone.

http://www.rainierfalcons.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=8&pictureid=63http://www.rainierfalcons.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=8&pictureid=64

[doghows]

You go Brian, I expect to see that stuff at my shop for powder coating!! Plus I would like to see the parts so I know what to look for. Just don't get it too far apart that you can't get it out this summer!!!:3g:

[BPVan]

Parts are going in this week, kingpin reamer still available from someone? I also read in a couple spots a rotary tool with a hone will work?

[doghows]

Brian I have a reaming tool but not sure if it is the right taper you need. I think it is. I might send it with those parts and you can get it back to me at the mini regional.

[88 gman]

Probebly not the case, but are you sure it has not been intentionally bent to align ? I know that is often the case with trailers and semi trucks

[BPVan]

I did consider that. The amount it was bent and the wear on the tires I pulled off tell me it was more than that. Also, the center link, or spindle connecting rod, was quite bent as well. I feel much better with the straighter axle I have now, plus its already powder coated. [thumb]

[doghows]

Other parts will be there today Brian. I forgot about the reamer. Let me know if you need it and I can ship it out tomorrow...