Rear spring perches

[jtucker]

I need to repair my rear spring perches that have worn through.

Somewhere I remember seeing a procedure where you cut a section of steel tubing and weld it inside the old perch.

Does this ring a bell for anyone? Or does anyone have a better idea?

Thanks,
Jim

[rotorwrench]

It's a way to restore a lot of different bores but it requires an accurate bore job to restore concentricity. A mill or other boring machine types would be the best way. Thin wall chrome molly structural tube can be machined to form a repair sleeve. It may be easier to find serviceable axle housings.

[Joe K]

I am embarking on this exercise shortly.

The "welding technique" commonly referenced is done in a couple of different ways.

One way, possibly the easiest way, is to weld the shackle bushings. You grind out the thin or worn portion cutting it back into the more solid material. Then you place and hold the bushing in place with baling wire as far "into" the solid eye as you can get it. Then you weld up and rebuild thickness using the shackle bushing as your "backing."

The downside of this method is you leave it so that once you wear through the bushing you have to do the whole show all over again - you've lost the advantage of bushings you can drive out with a punch as they become integral to the axle housing.

However, for anyone conversant in welding this is not a large downside: its always possible to do the same repair a second or even a third time. Those of welding experience have no fear of "remaking" anything welded - its only "time" and not even that much cost in grinding or weld electrode.

A more true to original methodology uses either carbon (graphite) or copper slugs to replace the bushings: you weld up around the slug by MIG or TIG or even stick (if you're good.) The copper or carbon are then removed by physical means which may mean machining in the case of the copper, or by merely "breaking it out" in the case of carbon.

Copper if kept "cold" will conduct heat away from the weld. It is possible to "burn through the copper" if you weld too vigorously in one spot so some "artfulness" is required with copper. Running water through a copper pipe is an excellent way to remove heat and prevent burn-through.

Carbon (graphite) likewise does not burn but "embrittles" under heat, aiding removal - this is commonly done with a punch and ice-pick. Graphite has a melt point about 5000F. Reports online indicate that graphite "cylinders" are available for EXACTLY this purpose in varying diameters and available on Ebay in 3/4" size - the same as the exterior of the shackle bushings.

I was headed to brass slugs bored out which I would drill through and provide water flow with Tygon tubing - but I have read a bit online and now feel confident enough to try the graphite method. Its use is VERY common in industry and even includes "threaded" graphite cylinders where one can "weld" a threaded hole even.

I am fortunate to have at least three pairs of trumpets to experiment with.

Joe K

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by jtucker

I need to repair my rear spring perches that have worn through.

Somewhere I remember seeing a procedure where you cut a section of steel tubing and weld it inside the old perch.

Does this ring a bell for anyone? Or does anyone have a better idea?

Thanks,
Jim

I'm facing this exact issue - shackles wore through the bushings and seriously wallered out the perches. Both sides. Both shock balls are toast as well. Shame, because the hub bearing surfaces are close to perfect. Spring bushings are not worn through, and the front appears to be OK.

Bearing balls are straightforward to replace, and I debated repairing the spring perches as well. However, in the end I opted to finding a couple of other axle housings with good spring perches. There are still plenty out there.

Someday when this resto is done and I don't have anything better to do I might attempt to repair these housings, but for now I think I'll turn one of them into a turntable for painting wheels.

[Oldbluoval]

Yes, putting steel tubing portions in the wear area has worked for
Me in the past. A gouging carbon rod can be placed in the bushing area to keep it true and accessible to the new steel bushing. I think the gouging rods are 3/4” and i got them from McMaster-Carr I think

[Joe K]

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I think the gouging rods are 3/4” and i got them from McMaster-Carr I think

I saw them but the Ebay seller is a little cheaper - and free shipping.

Seller is
ATL Welding Supply

• (54203)

Price was $19.99 (free shipping) and 3 - 3/4 x 12" lengths remain.

There are other sellers who are close in price.


Joe K

[jtucker]

Thanks, Guys! This website is amazing! I think I will try the graphite rod route an look for replacement housings as a backup.

Jim in

[Oldbluoval]

I’m not sure I was totally clear in my post…
The tube portions are welded in. The gouging rod keeps the bushing opening clear and true.
The rod is driven out after welding

[Brentwood Bob]

I used black iron pipe to replace the worn section. Dressed with a round file. Some inspectors would have passed it.

[30Murray]

You might want to consider bolt-on spring perches. I'm not sure if these would work for you though. I have used weld-on perches but with tubular hydraulic shocks.

https://www.millworkshotrod.com/coll...30022411255853