'48 wishbones

ironbuttjohn

ironbuttjohn

Member
getting the wishbone off a '48 coupe is a *****. I need to take a twist out of my front axle that appears to be there because it looks like someone pulled the car with a chain around the axle. After 71 years I bet there are a lot of axles like this. This little twist throws my caster off. Getting the wishbone off turned out to be a real problem. Anyone else had this problem? If so how did you do it?
 
Those mounts are on tapered fasteners, and nearly impossible to remove. We have done it with our arbor press. Don't use heat, as it can affect the axle, and beating on them is usually unsuccessful. The best idea is to try to locate a replacement axle and wishbone, There are some out there. Trying to unbend your axle is likely to cause handling problems.
 
Not sure why you would believe heating an axle or spindle on early Fords would be a problem? This has been a common practice that is as old as the vehicles themselves. The metal has to be headed to a red hot to drop spindle arms and axles hotter yet to be dropped.
 
Do a search on here,
There was a recent one with a neat tool made by Andy to remove the perch pins, which is the hardest part.
I for one have removed them with heat and an air hammer, but this can damage pins on the way out. Not a problem if you have replacement pins. And it won’t hurt the axle.
But if I have to do another set, I’m building the tool. :)
 
Perch pins suck, even worse with early fords as you want to keep them. Easier to get king pins out. Couple threads on perches.

But... You sure on the axle? Might be fine. I'd like to say there are lots of front axles at swaps.

These guys probably have a stock axle in trade if not.
https://droppedaxles.com/index.php


.
 
Last edited:
IMHO: There is no problem with heating the axel or spindle arms as this has been done for a hundred years. Just let it cool naturally! Do not dip it in water or oil to cool it!
 
This one looks a little warm:D
Bob
 

Attachments

  • axle.jpg
    axle.jpg
    10.3 KB · Views: 102
  • 0808rc_06_z-dropped_i_beam_axle-.jpeg
    0808rc_06_z-dropped_i_beam_axle-.jpeg
    12 KB · Views: 102
I mentioned heat because a bent axle requires red heat or more to become bendable. I know that "drop" axles have been heated for a long time. We have operated a big machine shop for many years, and have seen the results of high heat on forged metal, and don't do it because of the liability in the event of failure.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top