Posted by Torvald [162.158.107.214] on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at 15:51:45 :
I have a ’51 FF PW on a ground – up rebuild and I’m finally to the point where I need to align the rear power train. Currently the engine is at 1 1/4°, transfer case is 2 1/2°, and rear axle is 10°. Angles are measured from horizontal and all are tilted down at the rear. I would like to stay within 1° for the trany to Xfer case and Xfer case to rear pinion shaft alignments. I can easily change the transfer case to 4° and I think I can get the engine to 3 1/2° which would put them in alignment. I will need to install axle shims (wedges) on the rear axle to bring the pinion in line with the Xfer case.
I am not as concerned with alignment of the front drive train, as I have lock-out hubs and expect the front drivetrain to be used very little and then only at lower speeds.
My question is: how much change can I expect for the rear axle pinion angle with respect to horizontal when going from rolling chassis (no body parts are on the PW yet) to assembled vehicle (all body parts on and driver in cab), and again when going to fully loaded (1 ton of payload in bed)?
I also have questions on the front axle caster, but I’ll pose them in another post.
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