Front Axle

[thebebop]

Ok, going down the road this last weekend there was a pronounced difference in the ride of my truck. Any little bump and it felt like I was going to loose control of her on the freeway.

It's never been this bad before. I did just put on a new set of tires and I went with bias instead of the radials it had on it during the restoration. It has the stock front axle and manual steering. I just bought the power steering conversion kit from CPP and am going to start on that next week. During the restoration we did replace the king pins but one side of the axle was a bit more worn and I think that might be part of the problem. Even though we rebuilt the steering box it has a little play as well so I'm thinking maybe it's a combination of all 3 factors?

I'm thinking I either need to repair the axle somehow or find a replacement so my question is...is anyone making a standard front axle? I see plenty of new replacement drop axles but no standard ones on my searches. Finding a good used one in my area hasn't turned up anything either.

Suggestions?

[OrrieG]

I think you are on the right track. Assuming your axle is not bent, replace the other king pins and upgrade to the CCP steering. Also look at the tie rod ends, may a well replace those too so you remove that variable. Then go get a good alignment at a shop that know these old trucks. Tire are probably a factor too, on my Chevelle I run skinny 14" tires on stock rims in the winter and 15" Cragars with wider tires in summer. Driving the same roads I can notice now it tracks differently. It is better with the wider tires, the track width is closer to modern cars, the narrowed tires are always trying to climb the sides of the grooves we have up here in our pavement due to poor maintenance.

[thebebop]

Thanks Orrie, tie rod ends were all replaced. My biggest concern is going to be the one side where the king pin looked a bit sloppy. If the hole is a bit worn out is there and option other than replacing the axle? The axle itself is straight.

[mr twuk dwiver]

Originally Posted by thebebop

Thanks Orrie, tie rod ends were all replaced. My biggest concern is going to be the one side where the king pin looked a bit sloppy. If the hole is a bit worn out is there and option other than replacing the axle? The axle itself is straight.

I had my front axle on my 58 replaced because of the slop. I got the replacement axle from Tuckers Classic parts in Henderson NV. They supposedly got it from there bone yard in AZ. Every thing on my front steering has been replaced. Heavy duty (1inch diam tie rod)new tie rod ends, aftermarket power steering and power disc brakes on front only. I am running stock 15 inch 6 lug wheels with radial tires. The springs are good with all new bushings. As of right now I am not quite happy with the steering. Lots of play in steering wheel(stock) and wonder from side to side going down road. My next approach is to toe in some more and a 6 degree caster shim. Right now it looks like a 2 degree shim is installed. As for my straight axle I like it, but but I don't like what it's doing. If anybody has a solution to the wondering and drifting , please let me know. And yes I have checked the toe in.
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[Janky59]

Hey Bebop - have you tried Nostalgia Sid's ? They have axle rebuilding service listed on their site. I don't have any experience with them, but I have read other members positive comments about them - maybe worth a try.

[mike16]

I would fix whats wrong before spending coin on other parts. I just rebuilt the front end in my 57 and while its still on jacks. I can tell its factory specs rebuild makes for a glass smooth stearing effort.

Fix whats wrong first then drive it and if at that point you reallly need the upgrades ....go for it.

[1958Warrior]

Front axles pop up locally on CL every few months, also check other areas like east Texas ,Withita falls, ECT. I know theres a guy around Sherman listing parts for sale
Coupeguy2001 has 1 listed in the classified section,
also Danny boy just pulled his out to do IFS conversion , his was driving good before might PM him to see if he has a price in mind
And may look through the builds that are local to see if they still have their front axle.
Probably would have to PM them, to comply the selling parts rules on the forum
a few on e-pay $135-180looks like shipping is around $35-40

I would trust ones from other members before an epay one.

[thebebop]

thanks guys

[Hblee]

Hey thebebop:

I'll make you an offer you can't refuse. I have a very nice, blasted and painted front axle that will be coming off my 57. It is yours if you want it. I don't think the kingpins have ever been replaced, it's a 87K mile truck. You would have to make the drive south on I-45.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

You can buy .010 oversize king pin sets. Then have the axle reamed out.

[Highsider]

hey, Hblee..
I'd stop and ride a few laps at 3-Palms in Conroe!

[jeffs56]

I have a stock axle that I'm not using but not sure what it would cost to get it to Texas

[racer357]

Bias tires will amplify the problem too. I have a a buddy with a 31 model A. With his bias ply tires and steelies, it is exciting to drive. With radials it is much more tame.

[thebebop]

I've heard that Racer. I don't know what possessed me to buy the bias instead of radials but now that I have em and payed out all that dough they are staying put!

[_Ogre]

even a new straight axle will have bump steer, it's the nature of the beast
also why cars went to ifs and eventually irs
that said... every over the road truck has a straight axle, so it is manageable

[1958Warrior]

(Hey thebebop:

I'll make you an offer you can't refuse. I have a very nice, blasted and painted front axle that will be coming off my 57. It is yours if you want it. I don't think the kingpins have ever been replaced, it's a 87K mile truck. You would have to make the drive south on I-45)

That's a nice Price, could just make it a weekend trip to Galveston

[thebebop]

It sure is ! Lots of great folks on this board...I might just have to take him up on that offer

Originally Posted by 1958Warrior

(Hey thebebop:

I'll make you an offer you can't refuse. I have a very nice, blasted and painted front axle that will be coming off my 57. It is yours if you want it. I don't think the kingpins have ever been replaced, it's a 87K mile truck. You would have to make the drive south on I-45)

That's a nice Price, could just make it a weekend trip to Galveston