[Oletrucks] Front Axle Orientation

[Rob]

Doug,

look at the shims.  They have a raised dimple that fits into a shallow hole 
on the axle.  The hole goes to the back.  I just had my '58 apart and 
figured out it was easier to bolt the springs to the axle before connecting 
the ends to the shackle  and fixed end.

Hope this is clear.

Robert
55-9 Chevy/GMC mixture



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Doug W" <dwpumps at comcast.net>
To: <Oletrucks at autox.team.net>
Sent: Sunday, July 11, 2010 6:29 PM
Subject: [Oletrucks] Front Axle Orientation


>I am re-assembling the front end on my '56, but I cannot figure out the
> correct orientation of the stock front axle. It almost appears like it can
> go either way, except there are two wedges (called shims by the assembly
> manual) which get installed between the leaf spring and the axle, and 
> which
> are dimpled to fit into two holes on the axle. These wedges or shims are
> thicker on one end than the other. So their fit to the axle is not in
> question. But how the complete axle (including these shims) gets bolted to
> the leaf springs is my question.
>
> At first, I figured the thick part of these wedges would go towards the
> front, to give the entire axle assembly some caster (assuming the leaf
> springs are level.) But then I tried reading the bolt and nut markings on
> the axle and shock connection, and I'm now thinking that the thick part of
> these shims (which dictate the axle orientation) should go towards the 
> rear.
>
> Can anyone on this list steer me in the right direction?
>
> Doug
> _______________________________________________
>
> Oletrucks at autox.team.net
> Donate: http://www.team.net/donate.html
> Suggested annual donation  $11.47
> Archive: http://www.team.net/archive
> Forums: http://www.team.net/forums
> Unsubscribe/Manage: 
> http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/oletrucks/rrogers57@clearwire.net