Schwinn spring fork question

[falconer]

Upon dismantling this fork removed from 53 Panther, I discovered these two washers on the pivot bolt just inside each leg. I have taken apart many of these, but don’t think I have ever seen this. Is this correct? When did it start if it is? Thanks in advance. I know you guys can help

 

[Wolfmac]

Doesn’t seem right. Seems like the spring yoke would also need to be wider than normal. I have about 8 springers both pre and post war and have never come across this either.

 

[Addison 35]

I've seen this on a seldom few springers, sometimes when schwinn made the cast yoke and cut the tabs, it turned out little short. When you install them together with the pivot bolt that is a standard length, it has more thread sticking out than normal. So they added a few washers. Then again, I could be wrong... I'm sure others will chime in.

 

[Wolfmac]

If true then measure across the pivot tube and others can compare to their forks.

 

[falconer]

Thanks, I just did that. I measured the pivot tube on other postwar bikes and it it about 4 inches. This Panther fork is about 3/16 more with the washers. I dont think they should be there. I'm confused! lol

 

[falconer]

Actually its 4 1/4 inches

 

[falconer]

Including the tabs on the legs

 

[Wolfmac]

I wonder if the yokes on the krate bikes are wider and someone shimmed it to align. It would space the fork tips too.

 

[Wolfmac]

I’d reassemble it without the washers and have a look

 

[WillWork4Parts]

The washers are not factory. With them installed, you don't have enough threads sticking out past the leg for the jam nut that is supposed to be there.