D25/d27 Knuckle Change

Maybe this has been previously discussed and I missed it. When comparing the knuckles that were originally on my 1955 3B with the ones off the 1962 wagon (both D25's), there is a significant difference in beef with the latter have more material. Was this change concurrent with the arrival of the D27?

 

We're there shims on both caps of the lighter one? From my understanding there was just the ribbed and non ribbed change where there was material added to the bottom kingpin pad replacing the lower shims.

My 60 knuckles had the hearty globe seal flange like the one on the right.
The left one definitely looks thinner.

 

Is it just an illusion, or is the camber different between the two?

 

I don't have an answer as to when changes occurred but I have noticed significant differences in the area where the tie rod end attaches. Some of them are as simple as the location of the hole. Some being nicely centered and some being quite a bit off center. Others seem to have been cast with more material at that spot.

 

Not all illusion. The heavier knuckles have about 1 degree less camber.

That is the case with these two. The 62 is well centered on the steering arm, the other not so much. In addition to the beef around the wiper seal base which I suspect was for more support the the king pin caps, there is at least another threads worth on the spindle bolt bores and probably an 1/8" thicker wall on the rear side of the knuckle.

I have half a dozen more knuckles hanging on the wall and now I'm going to have to look at every one of them----- They may all interchange but there are certainly some differences.