spacer thickness

J

Jim in S.C.

Member
Can someone tell me the thickness of the spacer used on the front spindles when installing 39 to 48 backing plates and drums on a model A ? This is the spacer that moves the inter bearing out on the spindel. They are sold by Cling's, MT and others. They look to me like inserted valve seats.
Thanks in advance.
Jim in S.C.
 
In the old days guys often used a Model A valve hard-seat as a spacer, I believe they are 3/16" thick. The spacer must be beveled on the inside for a good fit against the spindle. A piston ring was used to center the backing plate on the spindle, and the holes must be elongated a bit. Thickness isn't critical, you need just enough to keep the drum from rubbing on the backer.
 
I just measured one at .336 thick.

Some things to note.
The hub seal rides on this spacer. The seal tries to spin the spacer on the spindle.

You need a spacer that is a tight fit on the spindle. MT car makes a tight one and sells to the public.Kling 's spacer is a loose fit.With the vendors you don't know the fit.

The bevel is to clear the radius on the spindle and points in.MT's is driven on with pipe. I also use locktite.

You also need to have preload on the bearings so the races do not spin. I usally tighten tight then back off to finger tight and give one notch preload.
Use an original Ford nut with 8 notches not repro with 6. Gives finer adjustment.

Good luck,John
 
Thanks Jim and John, I ordered spacers from Speedway. I hope they are a snug fit. I already used model A rings for centering the hole. I can't remember if they were standard or oversize but they worked perfect. Now I will have extra rings because they only sell a set of rings and spacers together.
Thanks. Jim in S.C.
 
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