Lets get a discussion going on shaving a 14 bolt for better ground clearance. All you guys who have done it let us see what you've got. If you've got questions lets hear them.
I have done 2 now,both I just cut the lip off and ground them SMOOTH.The one I am building now(2nd one) I did think about cutting and plateing.But just not sure if it is worth it.
What about using one of those steal max cutting blades in a circular saw like halogrinder used to cut 1/2" plate for his cheap truck challenge over in the ford section.
I used a 7 1/4" wormdrive with a steel cutting carbide tipped blade.We use these at work.(sheetmetal/roofing).They work great.They are expensive though.I used it to cut the lip off with three cuts.Then used a 7" grinder to smooth it out.
I did mine with an abrasive wheel in my 7 1/4" circular saw and ground from there. I took 2 1/2" off and added a 1/2" plate back in. I had to shave the ring gear on a lathe with an angle grinder about 3/8" to clear the plate. I preheated, welded it with a high nickle rod, post heated, and wrapped it in insulation and let it cool. 6hr later it was still hot to the touch. It's not a daily driver but it seams to be holding up, no bearing failures yet I have had some trouble getting the 1/2" plate to seal but mostly because I added two 1/4" bolts to the cover which doesn't leave much sealing surface.
Thanks senatorfrisky! I just had a run on new years day so it's still dirty. The rubber hanging out of the 14B is my attempt at a reusable gasket. I still had to RTV around the two lower 1/4" bolts to get them to seal. The front cover is just RTVed on.
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