Centering axle rear axle

[chris85]

This has probably been covered before but I can’t seem to find any info on it (Or I’m over complicating things).

But I need to finalize the location of my 14b and get the perches burned in so I can order driveshafts. I know the width that the perches are supposed to be at, but how do you go about measuring to get it all centered and lined up correctly? I just want to make sure I do it right the first time.

 

[jekquistk5]

Measure from same reference point on both sides. IE backing plate to backing plate.

 

[nvrenuf]

On mine I just measured the distance from the backing plate to the leaf springs and got them even. Pinion angle will be the tough part.

 

[Bent77]

On mine I just measured the distance from the backing plate to the leaf springs and got them even. Pinion angle will be the tough part.

I’ve always set the axle on jack stands and load the weight on it once centered and everything loosely bolted.
Then take the floor jack and VERY slowly and carefully push the pinion up until the angle is good

Don’t go crawling back under it without some cribbage or something inplace for safety

 

[chris85]

I’ve “played” with the backing plate measurements before and got them pretty close to equal. Just wasn’t sure if that would be accurate enough.

 

[Bent77]

I’ve “played” with the backing plate measurements before and got them pretty close to equal. Just wasn’t sure if that would be accurate enough.

It just takes a little time and patience. I also check the spring width so you know they are parallel. Your end results will vary with how diligent you want to be about it

And for reference, I leave the magnetic angle gage on the pinion while I rotate it. You can catch the back side of the pinion with the jack and bring it up to wherever your math is right.
I double check by using a level and “project” a line towards the t case, so you see how well it actually lines up

 

[jekquistk5]

Using a laser works well. Make sure you get one that doesn’t auto level. Leave it 1 degree down cuz the pinion will rotate up under load.

 

[nvrenuf]

Man, that's like science!

 

[chris85]

Using a laser works well. Make sure you get one that doesn’t auto level. Leave it 1 degree down cuz the pinion will rotate up under load.

View attachment 299137

View attachment 299138

Damn that’s fancy! I like it.

 

[chris85]

Well I ended getting exactly 6” from the back of the brake caliper bracket to the center of the leaf spring pin/spring perch. Seemed odd to land on an exact number, but it’s the same on both sides.

 

[blazer74]

Just make sure your springs are hanging straight.
42.5 on center for half ton
I had to use a piece of wood wedged between the springs to push them out to 42.5 center.

 

[chris85]

Just make sure your springs are hanging straight.
42.5 on center for half ton
I had to use a piece of wood wedged between the springs to push them out to 42.5 center.

I’ll double check that. They were measuring about 40.5” from inside to inside so they should be close if not there.

 

[muddybuddy]

You could hang a string with weight on the ends to the center of the wheelwells on both sides. I used that method previously and it worked perfectly to center axle, and then rotate with magnetic protractor to get desired pinion angle

 

[Billyworld]

Using a laser works well. Make sure you get one that doesn’t auto level. Leave it 1 degree down cuz the pinion will rotate up under load.

View attachment 299137

View attachment 299138

Genius!