Rear leaf install question
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New User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 21
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From: Wakefield, MA
Rear leaf install question
Hi all,
This is my first post in this forum. I've finally got my frame torn down bare and am ready to start building. I've dissassemble my rear leafs, cleaned them up and am looking to put them back on. I'm using spring pins and locking pins that I got from Mid-Fifty. Has anyone had trouble with the locking pins? I've made sure that the main pin is oriented correctly and that the locking pin is aligned, but the fit is REAL tight. My light tapping progressed into getting a bigger hammer, but now the pin has mushroomed. I did manage to get one almost all the way in, but when tightening the nut by hand with a ratchet, I stripped the threads on the pin.
Does anyone have any experience or tips dealing with this soft metal???
-Pat
This is my first post in this forum. I've finally got my frame torn down bare and am ready to start building. I've dissassemble my rear leafs, cleaned them up and am looking to put them back on. I'm using spring pins and locking pins that I got from Mid-Fifty. Has anyone had trouble with the locking pins? I've made sure that the main pin is oriented correctly and that the locking pin is aligned, but the fit is REAL tight. My light tapping progressed into getting a bigger hammer, but now the pin has mushroomed. I did manage to get one almost all the way in, but when tightening the nut by hand with a ratchet, I stripped the threads on the pin.
Does anyone have any experience or tips dealing with this soft metal???
-Pat
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 758
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
I just went through this Friday. Finally got my springs the way I wanted them and started reassembly. I was using my old pins and new locking pins that I made on the lathe to the exact size as the old ones. I had to take a file and clean the locking pin hole just a little and used a little grease on them. Still had to use a hammer but they went right in. I suggest using a round file and remove any rust then grease it up good. I also used a knock out punch so I wouldn't mushroom the head of the locking pin. Hope this helps. EDIT: As for stripping the threads, I used a little loctite and just snugged then up tight but not overly tight.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 790
Likes: 0
From: Highland Village, TX
Yep, they are a mother trucker to get in. Need to make sure you get them aligned just right before you start hammering or they will bind and just mushroom with a big hammer. I wound up making sure the spring pins where aligned correctly with a punch first. Good luck, alot easier coming out than going in.
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