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Leaf Springs Center Pin Replacement

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by tripilio, Apr 7, 2020.

  1. Apr 8, 2020
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

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    Your spacers with the smaller drilled hole should work fine, but Mcruff's tapered wedges (in place of your spacers) might be even better yet. Do you have access to a milling machine?
    -Donny
     
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  2. Apr 8, 2020
    tripilio

    tripilio Proud American!

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    How do you think I fabricated those spacers? :bananatool:
     
  3. Apr 8, 2020
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

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    It might pay to mock everything up and see what your caster and drag link angles looks like. If you have room for the flip, I’d recommend it. With the Goferit inserts, it’s dead-simple. Just drill out the knuckles to 3/4” and tack them in place. The clamping pressure of the nut on the TRE is what actually holds them in place.

    (Then you could actually remove the drag link in the future without having to loosen your U-bolts.)

    Then if you need to adjust caster, it would be a separate deal. Add a shim without affecting anything else.
     
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  4. Apr 8, 2020
    tripilio

    tripilio Proud American!

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    I even have a sine plate!
     
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  5. Apr 8, 2020
    tripilio

    tripilio Proud American!

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    Any Goferit insert will do? Do you have a specific part number?
     
  6. Apr 8, 2020
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

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    Garage gnome posted the link. It’s the standard kit, not the one-ton.
    Goferit Products!
     
  7. Apr 8, 2020
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

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    But the down side of that is it usually adversely affects the front drive shaft angle. There is no free lunch, only compromises to eat.
     
  8. Apr 8, 2020
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Just need to chop off and rotate the knuckles. ....scope creep and all that.
     
  9. Apr 8, 2020
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
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    Yes, that is the whole purpose of the inserts. I've used them numerous times and never had a problem. And just like ITLKSEZ said, mock it all up and check your drag link. If your drag link isn't that bad, I would do like Mike (Mcruff) said and use the degree shims. At least that way you'll be solving two problems at once.
     
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  10. Apr 8, 2020
    tripilio

    tripilio Proud American!

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    Thanks to all! I will get the inserts and flip it, flip it good! That is why I still firmly believe this is the best forum, period!
     
  11. Apr 8, 2020
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

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    After you mock it up of course... :whistle:

    You’ll probably be fine, but you want to make sure that when your drag link is pointed at the top of the knuckle arm (where it would be if flipped), it isn’t pointing uphill (from the bellcrank to the knuckle). Pointing a degree or two downhill is ideal.
     
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  12. Apr 8, 2020
    tripilio

    tripilio Proud American!

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    Will keep that in mind. I have work for this weekend...
     
  13. Apr 8, 2020
    tripilio

    tripilio Proud American!

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    Would I be able to use the same two-hole TRE, or the bend would go the wrong way?
     
  14. Apr 8, 2020
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

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    Good question. The bend isn’t as critical as the side that the taper is on. I believe speedway motors sells them with two-sided tapers.

    I think this is the one you’d want.
    Speedway Ford Cross Steering Tie Rod End, 11/16-18 LH Thread, Plain

    Edit: Double check the threads and size... I don’t have time at the moment to research it
     
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  15. Apr 8, 2020
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

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    FWIW - I had a similar issue with my TRE hitting the top of the leaf spring pack (and made worse as I don't have a 2-hole knuckle, so use the 2hole tie-rod that accepts the drag link)...I put in 5 degree caster shims from Mcruff and it both allows for TRE clearance and dramatically improved/stabilized the steering and tracking on the jeep. I was very close to buying the Goferit flip kit stuff, and may one day go that route to keep stuff up off the rocks, but it isn't a necessity after the caster shims....
    See if I can find a picture from my build...here is the before pic...
    [​IMG]

    and the after with 5 degree shims from Mike...and seriously, I was doing the shims to improve caster and driveability, and there is no comparison to how much easier it is to cruise with straight tracking, better feel on the road (even with old Ross box) and the steering returns to center after making turns...the leaf spring clearance was just an added benefit and saved me from doing additional mods....
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Apr 8, 2020
  16. Apr 8, 2020
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

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    This would be a great thing if your caster angle is close to zero now. Not an expert at this, but the consensus seems to be something like 5 to 7 degrees positive caster gives best performance. Lots of discussion of this in old posts.

    Also, the shims are included in the spring pack, as was suggested earlier in this thread for your spacer blocks. The spring center bolt goes through the whole stack - spring leaves and shims - and protrudes from the bottom to center the spring.
     
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  17. Apr 8, 2020
    tripilio

    tripilio Proud American!

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    How can I check my caster? Wouldn't a shim, which I assume is oriented with the taper towards the back tilt the axle down? Wouldn't that affect the proper performance of the driveshaft?
     
  18. Apr 8, 2020
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

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    If you have an angle finder, put it across the bolts for the king pins.
     
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  19. Apr 8, 2020
    tripilio

    tripilio Proud American!

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    The more I think about it the more I lean towards the tie rod flip. That most likely eliminate the interference between the tie rod end and the leaf springs and I still can use the double hole tie rod end I have now. The jeep is still a long way from being road ready. Once is out on the street and I get the feel of how it handles, I will probably adjust the caster, use shims, snake oil or whatever it takes. One fight at a time!
     
    Last edited: Apr 9, 2020
  20. Apr 8, 2020
    tripilio

    tripilio Proud American!

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    Do not have one, but HF is nearby...:whistle:
     
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