F1 Front Axle Interchangeable RH or LH Drive?

4

49r

Senior Member
I picked up (what I was told was) a '51 F1 front axle, with stub axles included, as a spare for my RH drive '49 F1. I didn't realise until I got it home that the tie rod arm on the stub axle opposite the steering box end gives it away as a LH drive unit. It looks to me like the axle itself will suit either RH or LH drive and the steering box end stub axle also, but not the stub axle opposite the steering box. Am I correct?
 
Your terminolgy took a bit to sink in for me. I will have to check my books to see if there were any part number changes from 48/50 and 51/52 but I think the axle is the same. The spindles could be different for right hand drive and should mirror the left hand drive parts that are more plentiful in the US. I'm not sure my Truck Chassis Parts Catalog will have the RH drive stuff listed. Commonwealth countries probably had different catalogs that list RH drive parts but I'll check ASAP.
 
Thank you rotorwrench. I presume castor is built into the axle meaning it can't be turned around?
 
I am sure the axle is the same. The caster is set with shims under the leaf springs. You might be able to swap the spindles and see if the steering arm will bolt in from the opposite side of its mounting hole in the spindle.
 
Thanks Gearhead1952. I remember the wedge-shaped shims from the last time I did the kingpins (spindle bolts). However, I just dug out my F1 manual and it reads (Page 196) 'The castor and camber angle are set iin the axle at the time of manufacture and except for accidents or spring sag they will not change'. That's got me wondering. The spindle assembly (stub axle) does have flats both sides, so it might be fair to assume that's to accept the spindle arm at either end of the axle.
 
I was looking at a pair of F1 spindles today and if it works to swap the left one and move the steering arm to the other side then the right side spindle arm that connects to the tie rod would be pointing forward if swapped to the left. Might be able to cut it off and go with an aftermarket arm that bolts to the lower two spindle mounting bolts. Or maybe get another left spindle and steering arm to operate the tie rod one for the left side.
 
Thanks gearhead1952 for looking into it some more. Mainly I wanted the axle, but it would be good if need be to use as much of the other bits as possible.
 
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