Front axle centerline questions.

[OldJimmy57]

Where did you set your front axle centerline? I know factory is 27.49 and that it is in the wrong position. And the best way is to set the cab back on mount the front end and measure. But that may not be a good option for me. So what did you guys come up with for your centerlines?
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[OldJimmy57]

Noone has any idea what the front axle centerline is?
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[dwcsr]

Factory is in the wrong postion for what? What are you trying to set up?

[OldJimmy57]

The factory centerline places the wheel back too far in the wheel well so it needs to be moved forwards slightly to make it look more visually appealing.
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[OldJimmy57]

[IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG][IMG][/IMG]


And this is what I am trying to install.

[dwcsr]

I think what your going to have to do is put some wheels on it and mount the fenders. Then just slide the axle forward or back to get it where you want. Its going to depend on the wheel size you use. 15's will look different than 18's or 20's. Thats what I did when I put a c10 IFS under mine.

[bobinbc]

Is that a crown vic going onto a 57 GMC ?

[OldJimmy57]

yes it is
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[55dude]

what year crown vic? i would have the cab sitting on the frame with front fenders bolted on then bolt on the wheel/tire combo your gonna use and install. what is the track width of the crown vic front end?

[bondobob]

I moved mine 1 1/4" forward and it's too much. Now I'm going to cut the frame and move it back about 1/2" so I would say 3/4" would be about right. I used the hole for the bump stop as a starting point. I didn't realize it was too much until I got to my new garage with enough room to stand back and really look. In this picture it looks good but I modified the frame to lower the front of the fender which rotated it down, putting the tire forward. Kind of hard to explain. I can take a current pic if you want.

[OldJimmy57]

Thanks for the images Bob are both of these images with it at the same length? The bottom one looks further forwards.

[bondobob]

Here's two current pics. Yes they're both at the same centerline dimension but I changed the position of the fenders so now it looks too far forward. Once I get back on it I'll make it right. I made plywood "tires" of the right diameter and bolted them to my hubs with the frame at ride height and went from there. I would suggest pulling out the springs, set the frame at ride height, and mocking up at least the front fender and radiator support. Take the time now.

[55dude]

lets see some sheetmetal and wheels bolted on because this conversion looks great so far. if the track width comes in close to stock your in the money. updates please!

[hammerdog57]

Bondobob, Are you saying you moved axle centerline foreward 1 1/4" from bump stop hole? Front, back or center of hole? What size are the tires?

[dicer]

Originally Posted by OldJimmy57

The factory centerline places the wheel back too far in the wheel well so it needs to be moved forwards slightly to make it look more visually appealing.
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So the factory has built an untold number of flawed trucks, cause you don't like how the wheels look? Well actually they look just great from the factory what goofs it all up is when you lower it to the ground, that is what makes it all out of proportion. I guess its too much radiation in the air.

[MrDude_1]

Originally Posted by dicer

So the factory has built an untold number of flawed trucks, cause you don't like how the wheels look?

no, they built an untold number of flawed trucks because they were work trucks that were just slapped together with no regard for appearance.
panel gaps, body waves, overspray, and yes, wheel/body alignment were not considered critical when the factory built them.... and they can be viewed as flaws. along with that you have other small issues... thats not to say other vehicles dont have issues as well, pretty much all vehicles have something on them that isnt ideal. thats just how it is.

[watahyahknow]

interesting front axle , i know porterbuilds dropmember mounts a little forwarth but i dont know how mush and from where he measures , you could drop him a email see if hes willing to respond to it ...

in the netherlands the distance between front and rearwheels is on the registration document and sumtimes they do check those with a tapemeasure , not sure how that goes with the american papers ..... that might be a good way to measure on youre truck once you know how mush you need to go forward

[bondobob]

Originally Posted by hammerdog57

Bondobob, Are you saying you moved axle centerline foreward 1 1/4" from bump stop hole? Front, back or center of hole? What size are the tires?

Center of the hole. I would suggest no more than 3/4". The tires are 26" in front and 30" in back on 16" IROC rims for now. Another thing to consider is your wheel offset when you're turning. With these wheels as soon as you turn a few degrees it looks way off center so don't let that throw you. These are 8" rims and I'm planning to run 7" with more offset which will give me more clearance to the fender.

[dicer]

Ever since I first noticed them in about 58 or so at the age of 5, I thought they looked great. I at the time when dad bought a brand new 59 GMC thought it was perfect, it looked great and was fun to ride in. But what does a kid know.

[bo-w]

You could bolt on the front fenders , and make sure cab & fenders are square with the frame . Then find the spot where you like the centerline to be . You can use a plumb bob to transfer that to the floor on both sides . Straight edge between the marks and tada hang the plumb bob from the frame to the straight edge to transfer it to the frame . Just be sure all is square or you'll have issues .
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[OldJimmy57]

Ok so today I got a little bit more done. Got the steering column mocked up to see if i am gonna be able to use it or not. And it looks like I may be able to. It is a tilt and telescopic unit from a 2001 Corvette C5 reason I went this route is I wanted the key to stay on the dash like factory

[OldJimmy57]

[IMG][/IMG]

[jjjmm56]

When I did my camaro clip I just used the stock wheelbase. I measured off the rear axel. I think it looks right even aired out.

[Kabwe]

Mine center line is moved about a 1/2 inch forward.

[OldJimmy57]

I moved mine forwards 11/16's I put it at the edge of the hole. I would have gane the sheet metal route but it was at another location and I haven't had a chance to go down and pick it up from the shop yet. So just trying to manage with what i have here.