I am getting ready to install the del-a-lum shackle kit. I am going to file down the inside of the frame mounting points so there are no burrs or rust inside. Are there any tips to consider when installing? The instructions say use a bolt, plates, and a nut to pull it into place. Seems kinda tight in there.

Thanks,
Dave

Yes,
One side was a breeze, the other side took 3 evenings to get in! I had to make new press tools with larger allthread so I could use longer wrenches (15/16"). My first press tool used a piece of exhaust tube slipped over the frame tube and it contacted the box frame. We had to press so hard it started tearing the weld at the frame, so I made a machined "washer" very thick with a step in it to fit the tube, it had a large enough ID that the bushing could fit inside it as it came through.

If possible, do some careful measuring of the bore and reduce the bushing OD if needed before trying to press it in. Put lube in the bore to help out pressing.

If you get it in part way and have trouble, Here are two solutions:

1 hole saw a hole in the bottom frame just under the bore, then stick a torch in there and heat it up and press like heck.

2. use an abrasive cut off wheel and slit the tube and it should expand enough to finish pressing, then weld the slit.

I had to make new press tools with larger allthread.

Put lube in the bore to help out pressing.

That's what I did as well, make a press tool and lube the bore.....I guess I did clean the hole out pretty well too.


** NOTE: make sure the grease fitting is pointed exactly where you want it before you install it!

This is really turning into a major PIMA!!!!! Everything I have been using is bending. I think I need a 3/4 thick washer or plate on both sides. I am also using a 1/2 all thread and that is bending also. GGGRRRRRR!!!! A few wrenches in the face and I called it quits for now. Need to regroup and find an easier way. This sux!!! I would rebuild a front suspension anyday over this.

Paulm,

Would you happen to still have the set-up to send a pic to me?

Would freezing them help, or possibly some liquid nitrogen?

Paulm,

Would you happen to still have the set-up to send a pic to me?

No, I used probably the same thing that you are using. A piece of all thread a couple of nuts and some washers. I guess the biggest thing is to really clean out that hole and grease it up good.

Is the bushing getting hung up on something or are you having trouble getting the "press" to pull the bushing straight in or ???

Is the bushing getting hung up on something or are you having trouble getting the "press" to pull the bushing straight in or ???

The few times I pulled it back out seems like it was getting hung up. Getting it in straight is not easy neither. I have cleaned and filed and sanded the hole a few times. I will keep cleaning it for a while. What size all thread did you use? I greased the hole and it still is a bear to get in.

The few times I pulled it back out seems like it was getting hung up. Getting it in straight is not easy neither. I have cleaned and filed and sanded the hole a few times. I will keep cleaning it for a while. What size all thread did you use? I greased the hole and it still is a bear to get in.

Is the gas tank still in? Would it be easier to drop the tank out of the way?

I guess keep filing/sanding until it's clean and get that makeshift press to pull the bushing straight in.

Yep, dropped the tank so that was out of the way. Taking a breather now so I am fresh for a new start.

Would freezing them help, or possibly some liquid nitrogen?

Liquid nitrogen will do the trick!!! It's not as expensive as you might think and the place selling it might rent or loan you a dewar to carry it in.

Joe

I used 5/8" it allows longer wrenches, 15/16".

Well, after a nice dinner, I went back out there and tried again. I told the wife I wasn't coming back in until it was done. Nope. I lied. After 2 more hours, I got it in half way. I am beat. Tomorrow is another day I guess.

Liquid nitrogen will do the trick!!! It's not as expensive as you might think and the place selling it might rent or loan you a dewar to carry it in.

Joe

How does this work? The bushing is in half way and won't budge anymore.

How does this work? The bushing is in half way and won't budge anymore.

Well you gotta pull it out first. Then soak it in the liquid for 10 minutes or so. Should shrink like crazy.

Spindle pins shrink about .005" doing this, and that's a pretty good amount.

Matt,
How much press fit is used on a spindle pin?
David

Matt,
How much press fit is used on a spindle pin?
David

Depends on the casting. One of the US-made castings that we used to use had about a 2.5 to 3 thou interference fit.

I can guarantee you couldn't do that with some of the offshore "forged" castings. I've tested some of those (pin fracture), and they've got about a third of the strength as Wilwood's new spindle.

Well, here is the update. Got it stuck in there so tight that I cannot budge it either way. I started to cut it out of there. Going to call GW and see if I can buy just one bushing. Keeping my fingers crossed. I think when reinstalling them I should take Mr. Pozzi's advice and trim the bushing down a bit. 3 days and many hours. Gotta love these cars.

I recall a thread a while back where the person had to have GW make them a bushing that was turned down a little and GW was great to deal with.

We could still remove ours until it got past half way. Give GW a call and see what tricks they have for them.
David

Called GW and they are sending me a new one. They also said to put them in the freezer for a day or so. Hope this helps anyone else.

They also said to put them in the freezer for a day or so.

I'm tellin ya, liquid nitrogen would be the way to go. Mic it before you put it in the freezer, then after. See how much the diameter changes before you try to install it.

Edit: If you have a hard time finding some nitrogen (ask any machine shop where they get it), go to an electronics supply store. They should carry little cans of compressed gas that is used to find temperature-related trouble spots on circuit boards. The sprayed area gets cooled to about -50*F or so. This would be another potential option.