Axle Shaft End Play

[1970FuryConv]

Hi All,
In my factory shop manual, 8 ¾ End Play spec: .008-.018 inch. I know people generally tighten the right side adjuster to zero end play and then back it out 4 notches. I just have no way to tell if doing that is giving me correct end play.

I understand about going someplace like Harbor Freight for a dial gage, but there is a separate tool for anchoring it somewhere, so the dial gage is steady while pulling and pushing on the wheel flange of the axle shaft. Anybody have a good source for such a tool? Where is best place to anchor it? A hole in the brake backing plate?

Just put an 8.75 on my 70 Fury convertible to replace the light duty 8.25. Wanted to do the job right.

Thanks for your help, Ben

 

[Big_John]

You want something like this:

Magnetic dial indicator base. You can probably find a cheap one on Ebay. Bases without the "switch" are going to be cheaper.

 

[1970FuryConv]

Looks like Harbor Freight has the base for $12.99, p#5645 and the Dial for $16.99, p#623

Many thanks Big John!

 

[70bigblockdodge]

As long as you have some end play without being sloppy loose it's good.

 

[1970FuryConv]

Thanks Dave. I'm probably OK. I just wanted to insure proper transfer of force to the axle shaft bearing that's toward the inside on turns. I bought this rig from Harbor Freight for $29.98 plus tax. Randy's Ring and Pinion wanted $94.65 for the same thing. Buyer beware!

 

[Big_John]

I bought this rig from Harbor Freight for $29.98 plus tax. Randy's Ring and Pinion wanted $94.65 for the same thing. Buyer beware!

There's a huge difference in quality and price in dial indicators. What you have is a very cheap tool that will get the job done. You really can't compare it to any other brand or type.

 

[70bigblockdodge]

Thanks Dave. I'm probably OK. I just wanted to insure proper transfer of force to the axle shaft bearing that's toward the inside on turns. I bought this rig from Harbor Freight for $29.98 plus tax. Randy's Ring and Pinion wanted $94.65 for the same thing. Buyer beware!

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View attachment 104051

Nothing wrong with that mine has served me well.

 

[1970FuryConv]

There's a huge difference in quality and price in dial indicators. What you have is a very cheap tool that will get the job done. You really can't compare it to any other brand or type.

I guess looks can be deceiving, i.e. looks-the-same does not mean the same. I have read good things about Randy's service. Maybe, you get what you pay for.
Good News: Factory End Play Spec: .008-.018 inches, from 1970 FSM 3-30. It took several push pulls on the axle flange with adjustments to the position of the base to get the measurement consistent, but after that I consistently measured at .013” several times in a row. Hit center of axle flange with GH and Large Punch made from cut torsion bar. End play still measured .012-.013”. (One complete circle on Dial Indicator is .10”, so the 10 mark is really 10 thousandths) I didn't have to make adjustment to the axle shaft end play.

 

[BIGBARNEYCARS]

I waz waitin' for someone to say "tighten down the adjuster and smack the driverz side axle shaft with ah 2lb. hammer, and if the passenger side axle iz still tight back it off 3-4 notchez tighten her down and done"

 

[1970FuryConv]

Thanks for the advice. I'm calling this job done and moving on to a bad trans mount.
Like your flaming Chrysler pic! Very Hot!