Now that you have installed the spindles, arms and tie rods on the axle, you are ready to install the hubs on the spindle. The first thing you need to do is “pack” the bearings in the hubs. I still do it the old fashioned way by placing bearing grease in the palm of my hand and forcing it through the bottom of the bearing by scraping it through the grease.
You can also use a bearing packer if this method doesn‘t work for you (most auto parts stores sell bearing packers).
Once greased, put the bearings back into the hub and install the seal in the rear of the hub (I use a seal installer for this) by tapping lightly around the outside of the seal. Now slide the hub onto the spindle.
Now install the locking ring onto the spindle against the bearing by lining up the machined grove in the spindle with the “key way” on the ring.
Spin the locking nut down to the locking ring, making sure not to over-tighten the nut. You can check this by making sure there is not any side-to-side play but the hub still spins freely. Now you can tighten the allen screws, locking the nut into place.
Install the cover on the front of the hub. Now you‘re ready to mount the caliper on the bracket. Repeat on the other hub and spindle.
Your front end is now complete, it is time to install it in the car and square it. Set the axle on 4” blocks (use 3” blocks on the left if it‘s a raised rail car). Find the side-to-side offset you wish to run and attach the panhard bar to the axle.
Now measure 14 inches from the center of the right front torsion tube to the centerline of the axle on both sides. Bring the radius rods up to the axle and put the bolts in. Measure from the rear leading edge of the right side of the axle to the centerline on the motor plate.
Now check the left side and set it the same by adjusting the radius rod (I run a ¼-inch set back).
Now, with the axle square, let‘s set the caster. Place an anglefinder on the right front steering arm. Adjust the top radius rod until you get your desired angle (6-10 degrees is the norm).
With all this complete, put your race height blocks in and set the toe out. To set the toe out, measure from the left front of the hub across to the right front of the hub.
Do the same across the rear of the hubs (an 1/8-inch toe out is normal). Turn the tie rod to achieve this measurement.
Don‘t forget to bleed the front caliper! Until next month, drive hard and be safe.