MK4 spindles, spacers and castle nuts

[vtullomk4]

I am working on the front end of my MK4 complete kit. I did everything per the manual. Assembled and torqued to spec. Spacer included on the bottom of spindle, no spacer on top as per manual. But I notice the holes for the cotter pins are above the castle nuts. Same on both sides.

I sent pictures to FF Tech Support and they advise that it is ok like that as long as the nut is torqued properly. Makes me a bit nervous...

I have seen various posts on this, but no specific solution. If I want bigger spacers, where do I find them (top and bottom appear to have different diameter), and how do I determine size, material, etc.

Photo included. Please advise suggestions.

Vince

124292

[Jeff Kleiner]

Use a hardened washer under the nut to get the holes to align with the reliefs in the nuts.

Jeff

[bil1024]

Like Jeff said, should have one that came with the kit

[vtullomk4]

The kit provided one spacer for the bottom nut which I used, none for the top. Any idea where to by these? McMaster?

[edwardb]

Any good hardware store (Ace, etc.) will have grade 8 washers. Big box stores (Home Depot, Lowes, etc.) has them too but in my experience the hardware aisle at your local hardware has a better selection of specialty items. McMaster has them too of course but shouldn't be necessary.

[CraigS]

If you have trouble finding the G8 washers a good old fashioned lock washer will work also. They are a very hard metal.
https://www.galco.com/buy/Cully-Minerallac/70545?source=googleshopping&utm_adgroup=&msclkid=4a10ad5010db131bca61f323474edafc&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping%20-%20Non%20Brand%20-%20B&utm_term=4580977758615437&utm_content=other%20manufacturers

[rich grsc]

There is nothing wrong with the way it is. The head of the cotter key will easily fit into the nut, but you have to align the slot with the hole in the spindle.

[edwardb]

If you have trouble finding the G8 washers a good old fashioned lock washer will work also. They are a very hard metal.

Good point. I had forgotten that's exactly what I used on my #8674 build. They are in the grade 8 hardware section at my local Ace Hardware and worked perfectly. Visible in this pic. And yes I know the tie rod doesn't have the cotter pin yet. I didn't have it tightened or pinned at the time of this pic.

https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/ab234/edwardb123/Factory%20Five%2020th%20Anniversary%20Mark%204%20R oadster/Front%20Suspension/.highres/IMG_3385_zpsztw8rst5.jpg (https://app.photobucket.com/u/edwardb123/p/889d837c-f177-441c-a98c-71d205e7714f)

[vtullomk4]

Thanks to everyone. Extremely helpful. I'll keep you posted.

Vince

[vtullomk4]

Ed, I meet you at the build school in September when the club made a visit. Love your car.