Posted by Dan (NH) [173.9.49.14] on Thursday, November 19, 2015 at 10:33:48 :
Just wanted to ask everyone there thoughts on the spring and axle U bolts and what they have been using.
I am working on my 1941 WC4 and I opened up the rear differential last night expecting to find it full of gooey sludge. Surprisingly, it was REALLY clean. It still had the smelly gear oil in it, so I got to enjoy that, even after a nice long hot shower. I removed the input seal. "Thanks again to who ever suggested "on the forum" tapping the seal with 1/4 inch bolts and using a slide hammer." It came out with some force, but the new one went in nicely.
While working on the rear axle, it occurred to me that I would have to decide on what U bolts I would use to reinstall the spring packs. I could either search for the flat top U bolts or go with the newer regular rounded U bolts on all the vehicles today that are readily available and cheaper.
Now when I say Rounded U bolts, I mean the rod itself is round on the top, not flat, and it is more of a square U bolt.
So I ask you all, what did you use to replace those rusted out U bolts that keep those axles attached?
Would it be considered taboo if I did use round U bolts? When we meet for the first time at a group get together, will those U bolts make you shake your head and exhale?
I know the flat U bolts are available from Midwest, but the are costly and I would rather use the round bolts and spend the cash reserve on new spring pin bushings. Besides I could always replace the U bolts later right?
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