Identification of F15 2WD?

[Lynn Eades]

Tony, on the fitting of your tyres; My understanding is that you will get a longer life from your tyres, if you swap the two front wheels around, so that the leading part of the cleat (outsides of tyre) hit the ground first.
The way you have then now, is for a "driving" wheel as opposed to a "driven" wheel. How the front tyres of a 4x4 or 6x4, were fitted depended on the expected use. ie.the percentage of road use as opposed to 4 wheel, or 6 wheel drive use.
She looks great!

[Ganmain Tony]

To Rob and Cliff - really appreciate the encouragement...

Lynn - I just didnt want every other person in the land reminding me that my front tyres are on the wrong way if I turn them around everywhere I take the truck

What do you know about the track difference? front vs rear axle?

[Lynn Eades]

Sorry Tony, just trying to help. Truth be known, in military service she was probably only ever fitted with road running treads on the front.
I don't know anything about the track difference.

[Ganmain Tony]

Dont get me wrong Lynn, appreciate any and all comments and advice. What I know about these trucks is very limited and I am always learning.

I was cracking a cynical joke

you know...the tyre kickers at events that would point out the directional arrow facing the wrong way.

I have seen the tyres in reverse even in old pictures. I think you are spot on in your assessment. It depended on wether the truck was predominantly on bitumen or dirt work that determined which direction the tread was facing.

It would make for better tread wear if I was to reverse them..

[Ganmain Tony]

Thought Id do a bit of an update...

Front axle has been found to be unserviceable. Removal of King Pins has shown excessive wear and one has actually "picked up" in the axle and stuffed it.

Two things on the upside... the steering box felt notchy but it turns out the notchy feel comes from the king pin bearings.

Managed to get a replacement axle off another chassis. It is the Timken axle and is a big heavy brute of a thing. Inspection of Kingpins, bearings etc shows very little wear.

[Ganmain Tony]

Started a bit of a brief inspection of the engine. I have the invaluable assistance of one Mr John Mackie.

Started cleaning the engine up.. removed the sump and removed the yoghurt in the bottom. Came up very nicely.

Cleaned the bores and turned the engine over OK so far.

A lot of carbon and gunk in the top of the engine (no suprises). Refitted head gasket and head. Performed compression test (using thumb gauge) weak in centre two plug holes.

Next step - Need to do much better clean to make sure no carbon preventing exhaust valves shutting properly.

[Ganmain Tony]

Fitted up the Cab frame to create a bit more shed space...Thanks John for all the help.

Have revisited the axle after a very productive conversation with Bruce Peelgrain.

Realised I should have been checking the play in the axle with the colletts tight on the replacement king pins.... did this and discovered what play was left was in the bottom bush in the stub axle and it was insignificant.

Realised if the king pin is stationary in the axle and it is... it cant rub and wont wear (in that area). The wear on the old one was where the stub axle swivels on the king pin.

Make sense?? Thanks Bruce, it made sense to me anyway.