howdy, hope this isn't too newbie.

Did a little inspection last night before the labor day run. Found that I broke a centering pin and the axle had shifted forward a bit. The anti-wrap bar kept it somewhat in place, thankfully.

A friend last night suggested using allen bolts instead of $$ centering pins. I guess that I should ream the springs out to 3/8s and have the bolt head go thru the spring perch and then nut the top? Anybody done this?

thanks

SeanP

howdy, hope this isn't too newbie.

Did a little inspection last night before the labor day run. Found that I broke a centering pin and the axle had shifted forward a bit. The anti-wrap bar kept it somewhat in place, thankfully.

A friend last night suggested using allen bolts instead of $$ centering pins. I guess that I should ream the springs out to 3/8s and have the bolt head go thru the spring perch and then nut the top? Anybody done this?

thanks

SeanP

Yea, I have. I just double nutted it, I don't see what diff it would make.

Newb. :flipoff2:

I think it'd be OK for a temp fix but I'd get real centering pins as soon as you have a chance. I recently heard that the the centering pins were made out of spring steel; I'm sure that is for a reason...

Sean you cheap bastard!! :flipoff2:

Yep, I agree, a good temp trail fix, but the real deal centering pins are what you need. I dunno about spring stell but I do know they are seriously hardened, I would bet beyond grade 8.

I usually use Grade 8's and I round the head like a center pin using the bench grinder :D I have broke MANY regular center pins, but never a grade 8 in there.

Cheap bastard :flipoff2: :p

[QUOTE=Kendo]Sean you cheap bastard!! :flipoff2:

QUOTE]

Yep, that would be me. I guess RE sells the 3/8s centering pins. I just need something for this weekend.

Kendo, hows all the new junk coming along? Gonna be done for this weekend? Fordyce?

I usually use Grade 8's and I round the head like a center pin using the bench grinder :D I have broke MANY regular center pins, but never a grade 8 in there.

Cheap bastard :flipoff2: :p

Thank god I'm not the only one that has done that.


Cheap bastard!

Sean I think I have some....come over tonight and get em :beer:

So so. Everything is together (sans twin stick shifter, that's tonights project) but I am setting a code with the 350. Damn thing sets this code 43 and then retards the timing like 10 degrees. I dunno if it's just because I've been idling it in the driveway and not driving it or what. I'm shootin for Sept 18/19 Fordyce trip.

Hittin the rib cookoff with Strong this weekend. Yum!!

Hittin Strong this weekend. Yum!!


Fixed that for ya.

:barf:

:laughing:

:flipoff2:

It's good to be loved :flipoff2:

MMMMMMMMM, ribs in Jack Daniel's. I am so ready!

Use grade 8, hard to break the bastards. Teh bolts from my RE springs fell apart, literally after a year, and they are spring bolts :) Like Keith said, just grind them a bit.

Gui

Sean I think I have some....come over tonight and get em :beer:

We be goin to the fair, boss. Just tore apart my leaking coilover. There must be a correct way to drain the fluid that doesn't involve covering my sandals ;)

later

SeanP

Nope.you did it right :p If you want those center pins call me tonight and I can throw them in my truck and stop by tomorrow ;)

The ford springs I just bought from JCW came with an allen head.
Kenneth

I have used grade 8 did the grind thing, yet I put a nut on it screwed all the way down to give it more length.

Let's see words used

grind
length
nut
screwed
all the way down

Damn I even entertain myself


:flipoff2:

grind
length
nut
screwed
all the way down



Are you hitting on Strong again? :laughing:

:flipoff2:

I have used grade 8 did the grind thing, yet I put a nut on it screwed all the way down to give it more length.

Let's see words used

grind
length
nut
screwed
all the way down

Damn I even entertain myself


:flipoff2:
You forgot thing :smokin:

I have used grade 8 did the grind thing, yet I put a nut on it screwed all the way down to give it more length.

Let's see words used

grind
length
nut
screwed
all the way down

Damn I even entertain myself


:flipoff2:

Yep Steve, but you forgot that the pin needs to be lubbed up first, otherwise the hole is too tight. While you are screwing, put your other finger in the bottom, so the nut will not spin, and when you done screwing it in, start grinding, but be careful not to grind too much, otherwise the nut will go though the hole :D

Yep Steve, but you forgot that the pin needs to be lubbed up first, otherwise the hole is too tight. While you are screwing, put your other finger in the bottom, so the nut will not spin, and when you done screwing it in, start grinding, but be careful not to grind too much, otherwise the nut will go though the hole :D

:laughing:

You fawkers are frightening me!

on a lighter note. Got the springs off, duct taped them so all the holes were aligned, and chucked them up on the drill press. My 3/8s bit flew right thru. What I mean to say is that the fawkers were already drilled to 3/8s and that's what I broke. Dumass.

Do I go to half inch?

I have a crap load of 3/8s grade 8. I am going to make two sets, one to install and one for the spares box and call it done. Thanks anyway Strong.

SeanP

Personally,

I'd stay 3/8ths.

the black allen bolts exceed grade 8 requirements.

i use them with metal (deformed thread style) lock-nuts and they seem to be fine.

Matt

I usually use Grade 8's and I round the head like a center pin using the bench grinder :D

same here.

I have used the black allen bolts for over 2 years now and no breaks yet. Keep those u bolts tight.

I really am still in awe that we're actually discussing such a newb issue. :flipoff2: Sean

I have some of the 3/8" black allens too, if your cheap ass doesn't wanna buy them. LMFAO!!!

I really am still in awe that we're actually discussing such a newb issue. :flipoff2: Sean


He just needs a little hand holding is :flipoff2: Sean!

Stay 3/8's....

F.W.I.W. centerbolts are always grade 2. They just simply locate the axle and the u-bolts are designed to hold it all together. That is why they are higher grade and need to be fawking tight.

With that crap out of way let's get to the way us wheelers do it.....

Just put a grade 8 bolt in the pack and say fawk it......

Seriously if anybody needs centerbolts let me know we sell them cheap

the holes in my perches were wallowed out so Grade 8 hex head fit just right to hold things together.

Been working fine for 2 years now
check your u-bolts every now & then :flipoff2: