ConcoursMustang Forums
Restoring - General discussions that span across many different groups of years and models => Suspension => Topic started by: C5ZZKGT on April 14, 2011, 02:12:16 PM
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I have made an error in positioning my floor jack under my '65 and colapsed one of my jacking tabs.
Any suggestions as to how to try & straighten it out before I make it worse?
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On a lower control arm or the rocker panel?
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i have straightened those using a punch. one that starts out round and turns into a square at the handle end. had to touch up the paint afterward but it looked ok.
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Thanks Guys!!! Its one of the 2 on the lower control arm......I feel so stupid!!!
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Carlite65: Would I be right in trying to use the punch you describe and just getting it started and then gently driving it through to help get the tab back into position?? (I feel so stupid!!!)
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yes. go slowly and do it from both sides to even it out.
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From My understanding, these are Not Jacking Tabs. they are easily damaged when trying to jack on them. From what I have heard, these were Factory Alignment Tabs. In the days when Mustang was born, Mechanics used thin rods inserted through these Tabs to Get a Proper suspension Alignment. Nowadays they use LASER's which can be used with these Tabs. that is also why New-Aftermarket Control Arms Just come with the Tiny Bumps, as the laser can read the minute change in the formation of the control arm and actually give a more precise alignment than the Tabs. I am not a Suspension Engineer, just thoughts. I am always Open to discussion. .
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From My understanding, these are Not Jacking Tabs. they are easily damaged when trying to jack on them. From what I have heard, these were Factory Alignment Tabs. In the days when Mustang was born, Mechanics used thin rods inserted through these Tabs to Get a Proper suspension Alignment. Nowadays they use LASER's which can be used with these Tabs. that is also why New-Aftermarket Control Arms Just come with the Tiny Bumps, as the laser can read the minute change in the formation of the control arm and actually give a more precise alignment than the Tabs. I am not a Suspension Engineer, just thoughts. I am always Open to discussion. .
Interesting......I'd never heard that before.......I have always heard them called jacking tabs-I have always assumed that they were there to help keep a jack alligned in that area......however I'm not 100% sure of that.
Charles? Jeff?
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Always heard them called jacking tabs. Maybe there is mention in the shop manual if they are indeed used for alignment? I would probably have to say no on that as I have observed the later Ford service replacement arms do not have the tabs welded on in the same position as originals.
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Thanks Charles. Would you have anything to add to what Carlite has suggested for me to try & straighten one of my tabs out?
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Maybe use a brass punch and hammer?
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MAy be able to find some square stock (used for axle keys and the like) at the hardware store. Tapper the square bare at one end then work it in slowly (a little heat would not hurt if your careful) till the "square-ness" returns
Never heard or seen them used as alinement points - like others always heard them referred to as "jacking" tabs
Believe there is a shop[ manual picture of them being used as such
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Those tabs have nothing to do with front wheel alignment. They were designed to keep the vehicle from sliding sideways on the two post lifts that were the norm in the sixties.
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Thanks Again Guys!! I am going to try & straighten it out over the weekend.....I'll advise my results. Boy, do I feel stupid for letting this happen!!
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Thank you for the Input on my Comment. I can not remember who told me about them being Alignment Tabs, but it made a lot of sense at the time. The comments above put it into another perspective. I have also heard them referenced as Jacking Tabs quite often. I didn't align suspension in the 60's, nor these days, so this is why I put it out there for all of you to discuss also. :).
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Nothing wrong with discussion, thats how we all learn.