Re: Towing question


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Posted by Vaughn on Thursday, January 15, 2004 at 10:20AM :

In Reply to: Towing question posted by Tug on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 at 11:15PM :

When my spindle gave way I was about 100 miles from home at about 9,000 feet in the mountains. I knew this wasn't good - couldn't use a tow truck (money) or tow bar. So I jacked the axle up and took off the wheel and hub to take a better look at what went wrong. After taking out the spindle bolts, I only had one at the top of the knuckle that still had good threads. I thought to myself -- this is the pits! So I sat down on rock for a bit to try and think up a solution. After a few minutes, I thought if I had a couple bolts I could put inside the knuckle with threads facing out, I could attach the spindle, wheel/hub and drive home. On the front of the jeep was a splash guard that had two 5/16ths carrage bolts with enough length to do the job. I pulled out the axle, push the bolts through a hole on each side of the knuckle and carefully worked on the spindle till I could get enough threads for the lock washer and nut. I tightened those and the one good bolt at the top. The spindle on the jeep has a lip so it fits inside the knuckle and I felt that with what I had holding the spindle, it would hold the weight of the truck (I hoped!) So with everthing back together, I started my way back home driving about 15-20mph and using the gearing to hold the truck back on the down grades and tight curves. I knew if the spindle bolts broke off, that would be it - no brakes and steep grades - I was prepared to jump if needed. Taking my time I got back home safely - made the repairs - and continued to drive it for several more years. I also upgraded the other knuckle/spindle with larger bolts.

This reminds me that I need to pickup up 4 7/16 x 2-1/4 grade 8 bolts, nuts, lock washers and put in my tool box



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