The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop '55-'59 Front Axle Centerline?

I am trying to establish what I "think" is the centerline of the factory straight axle. I have two frames, a '55 that is original and has the factory running gear in it, and a '56 that is a bare frame, without any original brackets removed. Both of them have the 1/2" pilot hole located on the top of each frame rail in the engine compartment area, real close to the factory front brake line connectors coming out the side of both frame rails. I hooked a tape measure on the front end of the frame (not bumper brackets) and pulled it back towards the rear of the truck. I get 29-1/2" to the center of the holes on both frames. I have looked in my factory assembly manual, and in Section 2, Sheet #24, it shows the "Centerline of Front Wheels", but doesn't reference them directly from the front of the frame end. It does show a "Front of Dash" reference line from the front of the frame, and that dimension of 43.240" inches, minus 15.750" shown from the "Front of Dash" reference line back to the "Centerline of front wheels". This give me an axle center line of 27.49". Both of my frames have these holes located at 29-1/2" . Let me know if I am on the right track or 2" way off!
Thanks for your help

That 1/2" pilot hole you are talking about is the "standard" reference and is used by Fatman's in their instructions as the hole to use for centerline for their IFS install.

When my straight axle was on, just from eyeballing it, that hole looked to me to be about half an inch off. Unfortunately, I pulled my axle before I pulled out a plumb-bob and actually measured for myself (yes, beer was involved).

I can try to remember to measure my frame tonight and see if I at least get the same numbers (it is a 59). As well, please refer to http://www.classicperform.com/Instructions/53-56-Ford-Truck-1.htm which shows center-line to be 20 7/8 inches behind the front spring mount hole.

Hopefully some others will chime in on how they got to thier centerlines.

Oleblue:

OK, I measured my frame and this is what I got:

1. I measured exactly 29 1/2" from front of frame to the center of the 1/2" reference hole. That validates your measurement on the dot.
2. I measured per the article that I referenced in my prior post. This measurement from the front spring mount hole to the same 1/2" hole and it measured 20 and 3/4" not the 20 and 7/8" the article stated.

So that reference hole has got to be pretty close. I doubt you could see half an inch difference either way...

Still hoping some other folks will briefly describe how they centered thier Task Force front axles. Anyone????

Hy guys, I'm not absolutely positive, but I think 58 & 59 frames are longer in the front, I know the sheet metal is longer than the 55 - 57 stuff.

R-Bo

Thanks for the info on the axle centerline. I was wanting to verify where I should establish my "reference" axle centerline, either on the 1/2" hole on the frame, or my existing front straight axle that is in my '55 2nd series. I am in the process of installing a G-body clip on the front of my 55, and haven't cut anything yet. I am wanting to "push" the front axle centerline towards the front of the truck 1-1/2" to center the wheels in the wheel well better, so depending on where I start for my reference is key. If the MII guys reference the front spring mount hole, and they show 20-7/8", compared to the 20-3/4" to the 1/2" frame hole, the difference is only 1/8". Like you say, the difference would probably be negligable. I will check my frames this weekend like you did to verify. Thanks again for the help.

I have found the best way(for me)is to find 2 pieces of 8in. or 10in. channel iron a little wider than the truck,put bare wheels on the truck and set the wheels in the channel.Use angle iron or pipe tack welded to connect the sides.If you want to add the 1 1/2 inch just mark your angle and slide the channel forward before you tack it.After you cut the frame set the clip with bare wheels on it in the channel and weld every thing up.

You could try this link. It was my install of a C10 IFS on a 59 frame.

http://www.thehollisterroadcompany.com/C10ifs.html

It has a lot of location measurements that maybe helpful