The Ford Barn

deuce_roadster · 07-11-2022, 02:32 PM

I haven't straightened a commercial axle but have many passenger car ones. I have found that what a Frame and Axle shop person told our club was true. The passenger car axles if they have never been touched move at about 8 tons between a span, If they have been heated with a torch, 4 tons so don't use any heat while straightening or you will have weakened the axle and they will get bent again. My 25T press has a gauge so I can tell exactly how much pressure I am putting on things. Rusty tight perches can often take 17T with bridging close to each side as to not bend that area.
The wishbone ends must be pulled in a bit which may or may not help during the straightening. As for the memory (all the ones I have done were completely apart with no wishbone attached) You have to bend it back past where it originally was as it does want to spring back a little.

07-11-2022, 02:32 PM	#15
deuce_roadster Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Shelton, WA Posts: 3,971	Re: 1 tonner bended front axle I haven't straightened a commercial axle but have many passenger car ones. I have found that what a Frame and Axle shop person told our club was true. The passenger car axles if they have never been touched move at about 8 tons between a span, If they have been heated with a torch, 4 tons so don't use any heat while straightening or you will have weakened the axle and they will get bent again. My 25T press has a gauge so I can tell exactly how much pressure I am putting on things. Rusty tight perches can often take 17T with bridging close to each side as to not bend that area. The wishbone ends must be pulled in a bit which may or may not help during the straightening. As for the memory (all the ones I have done were completely apart with no wishbone attached) You have to bend it back past where it originally was as it does want to spring back a little. Last edited by deuce_roadster; 07-11-2022 at 02:39 PM.