bracket modifications
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Waco, Tx
bracket modifications
The front leaf spring front brackets are somewhat worn (not surprising since they are old and used). Where the hangers attach to the brackets, it is angled as if the bolts had been loose and the hangers hung at an angle. The top of the bracket sticks out from the frame approx. 1/8" and the bottom sticks out approx. 1/16" to 1/32" (I have attached a pic - a little blurry). Is it okay if I grind this area down so that everything is flat?
[IMG]
[/IMG]
One more question. When I get ready to put the bushings (brass?) in the brackets, do I need to put a little grease on the bushings before I install them? I assume I do.
[IMG]
[/IMG]One more question. When I get ready to put the bushings (brass?) in the brackets, do I need to put a little grease on the bushings before I install them? I assume I do.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: S.C.
Personally I wouldn't grind the bracket down due to it may be weakened. Your best bet is to purchase new brackets if the hole is misaligned the new bushings will be formed to the out of round shape and be ruined pretty fast. If you had rivets holding the brackets in they more than likely were loose. When I took mine off the pbrackets were so loose you could shake them with your hand the bracket had also worn into the frame from the shifting.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
I can't really tell what that pic is of (cell phone camera?) but if I understand correctly, you're saying the part of the bracket with the bushing sticks out past the frame? If so, I think that is correct, it is so the shackle clears the frame when it swings.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,776
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From: springfield il
whats it too ? what year ???? i know someone who is taking apart his bonus built for a frame swap , so he has the oem frame still i beleive , he's in arkansas and i can ask him , or if it's to a 53-56 i got a set that weren't to bad here from a parts truck ...............
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Waco, Tx
Sorry... I was dead tired when I posted. The pic is of the front leaf spring front bracket on the pass. side of a 51 F1 (the black mass in the middle of the pic). The hole for the bushing is not worn. That is pretty round. Albuq, you're correct. I know it is supposed to stick out for the shackles to miss the frame. The problem is that the part that DOES stick out from the frame is worn at an angle, which means that if I attach the shackles, they will most likely hang at an angle. I know I do not need to grind it flush with the frame, just enough for the shackles to hang straight. That is my dilemma whether I should or not.
And to all who say buy new brackets, well I have tried and unless someone has started producing new ones in the past six months to a year, then that is not an option because no one carries new ones. Now, if someone knows something that I don't as far as brand new brackets, please let me know.
And to all who say buy new brackets, well I have tried and unless someone has started producing new ones in the past six months to a year, then that is not an option because no one carries new ones. Now, if someone knows something that I don't as far as brand new brackets, please let me know.
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Elder User
Joined: May 2006
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From: Sacramento area
You know, I don't quite understand the problem here, but when I hear the word angle
regarding front springs and brackets I think of wedges that may have fallen out. Don`t know if wedges were used on `51s or not. Just a guess. Good luck with it.
Gary
regarding front springs and brackets I think of wedges that may have fallen out. Don`t know if wedges were used on `51s or not. Just a guess. Good luck with it.
Gary
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
Sorry... I was dead tired when I posted. The pic is of the front leaf spring front bracket on the pass. side of a 51 F1 (the black mass in the middle of the pic). The hole for the bushing is not worn. That is pretty round. Albuq, you're correct. I know it is supposed to stick out for the shackles to miss the frame. The problem is that the part that DOES stick out from the frame is worn at an angle, which means that if I attach the shackles, they will most likely hang at an angle. I know I do not need to grind it flush with the frame, just enough for the shackles to hang straight. That is my dilemma whether I should or not.
And to all who say buy new brackets, well I have tried and unless someone has started producing new ones in the past six months to a year, then that is not an option because no one carries new ones. Now, if someone knows something that I don't as far as brand new brackets, please let me know.
And to all who say buy new brackets, well I have tried and unless someone has started producing new ones in the past six months to a year, then that is not an option because no one carries new ones. Now, if someone knows something that I don't as far as brand new brackets, please let me know.
I think JobLot sells the brackets, or did about 6 months ago.
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From: webster wi
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