Straightening a rear end housing
(Clean up) |
(Minor clean up) |
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==Building a straightening table== | ==Building a straightening table== | ||
| − | The straightening fixture pictured below is an old compressed gas cylinder cart, | + | The straightening fixture pictured below is an old garage sale compressed gas cylinder cart, with its top cut off. A 6" X 6" I-beam was then welded to the cart. You don't need a cart, any table with sturdy legs will do. This cart just happened to be handy and had nice wheels so we could wheel it around the shop. |
[[Image:Axle_straightening_table.jpg|frame|none|A gas cylinder cart, converted for straightening rear end housings.]] | [[Image:Axle_straightening_table.jpg|frame|none|A gas cylinder cart, converted for straightening rear end housings.]] | ||
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Then, make some inserts. These are about 2" long, as to provide some load bearing area to lessen wear caused by repeated use. For this application (10-bolt Chevrolet), the ID is 1.504", and the OD is 2.894". These same size inserts will work in an 8" and 9" ford center sections as well. | Then, make some inserts. These are about 2" long, as to provide some load bearing area to lessen wear caused by repeated use. For this application (10-bolt Chevrolet), the ID is 1.504", and the OD is 2.894". These same size inserts will work in an 8" and 9" ford center sections as well. | ||
| − | [[Image:Making_inserts_in_lathe.jpg|frame|none|Making the inserts in a lathe | + | [[Image:Making_inserts_in_lathe.jpg|frame|none|Making the inserts in a lathe]] |
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The inserts are then clamped in the bearing saddles and the bar slides through them. The fit should be snug; the bar should slide through easily, but with no noticeable play. | The inserts are then clamped in the bearing saddles and the bar slides through them. The fit should be snug; the bar should slide through easily, but with no noticeable play. | ||
| − | [[Image:Straight_bar_in_inserts.jpg|frame|none|The straight bar, in the inserts | + | [[Image:Straight_bar_in_inserts.jpg|frame|none|The straight bar, in the inserts]] |
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In this case, when the tube cooled, the housing end was only a few thousandths of an inch off, and was easily bent into alignment cold, using only the bottle jack. This housing was initially out by almost 1/4" on one side, and 3/16" on the other. Now, the housing end slips on with minimal effort. | In this case, when the tube cooled, the housing end was only a few thousandths of an inch off, and was easily bent into alignment cold, using only the bottle jack. This housing was initially out by almost 1/4" on one side, and 3/16" on the other. Now, the housing end slips on with minimal effort. | ||
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[[Image:Insert_fits_properly.jpg|frame|none|The housing end slips on with minimal effort.]] | [[Image:Insert_fits_properly.jpg|frame|none|The housing end slips on with minimal effort.]] | ||
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==Related information== | ==Related information== | ||
| − | *Hotrodders | + | *Hotrodders bulletin board thread, [http://hotrodders.com/forum/straightening-rear-end-housing-109642.html Straightening a Rear End Housing] |
[[Category:Rearend]] | [[Category:Rearend]] | ||
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