Off set axle

S

sedanman36

Junior Member
Hello fellow Ford Guys,

Well I got the 55 fairlane going and took it the tire shop to get the new tires mounted. I had bought P205 75R 15. All the tires and wheels went right on except the drivers rear.

The attendant had to let the air out to get it on and then pump it back up. He wondered if my rearend had shifted some to the left. We looked at it but could not see any signs of shifting. He even put two floor jacks one on each side to get the rear to drop more. Still would not go.

Anyone else experience this. What would be the best way to measure? I was thinking maybe from Ubolt to backing plate on each side. :confused:

Thanks...Sedanman
 
I would think from the frame to the backing plate. If both sides measure the same, measure from the frame to the lip of the wheel well. Something isn't the same on both sides.

Are the wheels the same width? You never know what has been switched around after all these years. A wider wheel might let the tire expand more.
 
I posted this a long while back because I too ran into the same problem,I had changed the shocks all around to Gabriel gas shocks turns out we have found that both the Gabriel and KYB replacements are about 1 1/2" shorter extended length than the OEM Motorcraft shocks that came on our Fords.So here is the solution: http://www.pepboys.com/product/details/689151/01036/
 
jeffB2 and 40 cpe

You both make valid points. The car has gabrial air shocks on it and I let all the air out to lower it in the rear. I have installed the aerostar springs in the front and thought I was going to have put in lowering blocks in the back. After letting the air out of the shocks it sits about right for me.

I will get those measurements this weekend when I get back on it. I may go to regular shocks and use the extentions.

Also the tire guy did say that every steel wheel on it is a little bit different, he said not much just a small amount. He suggested I buy a new matching set. I might entertain that Idea after some of the other work is done. Steel wheels are hard to find. I have a big swap meet coming up in May and plan to look for a set there.

sedanman :(
 
If you let all the air out of the air shocks to get the ride height you like, and there is no air in them, you have no "shocks" you are using only the springs. this could be your problem.
 
measure the distant from the outer fender well on both sides to the out side of the tire, should be the same, if not better find out why the difference, tires, rims, shifted rear end
 
When those cars were built, the tolerance on the print was plus or minus 3/8. With that stacked up the wrong way a car could be 3/4 off and still pass as OK.
 
The difference in the shock could be that the shackle is flipped the wrong way in the rear. Lots of guys flipped it down to make the back end sit higher.
 
I let the air out and then put just enough to give it ride but not raise it up. The shackles are not flipped. I am going to measure this Saturaday when I get back on it. Body work has been done at one time for rust repair. I will be re-doing that as it is starting to come back out in places. Thanks for the suggestions, I will keep looking and measuring.
 
If the wheel well opening have had repairs or have been replaced, this is where I would start measuring and if you can find another car like yours to compare with, it would help.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top