My Willys 3A and 3B Community

3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base => "Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations => Topic started by: Matto on July 16, 2011, 02:55:07 PM

Title: Rear end alignment
Post by: Matto on July 16, 2011, 02:55:07 PM

I'm installing 2 new rear springs. The frame is blocked up and the axel is on the ground with the drive shaft still attached. After I install the springs and start bolting the rear end on, do I need to check the alignment? Or does everything fall back into place? The springs are made in USA from Walcks. I replaced 1 C shackle with a good used one.
Thanks
Matt

Title: Re: Rear end alignment
Post by: RussellL on July 16, 2011, 03:43:42 PM

So long as the new springs have identical length from end to end and end to center pin the alignment really can't be off.  There really isn't any way to adjust anything either.  

Title: Re: Rear end alignment
Post by: jamesr on July 17, 2011, 09:50:24 AM

Just be sure that you tighten the axil U bolts sequential, as you would head bolts. �When the torquing is completed, you should have the same thread count exposed below the nut on all 4 studs. Jim

Title: Re: Rear end alignment
Post by: Matto on July 17, 2011, 08:33:52 PM

Well the axel is back in and I see that there really is no way to change the alignment once it drops onto the posts on the springs. This was a pretty straight forward project (no pun intended ;D).
I'm changing front motor mounts next, that looks pretty simple too.
Matt

Title: Re: Rear end alignment
Post by: rocketeer on July 17, 2011, 11:08:19 PM

When jacking the engine to get the new mounts in be very careful where the fan blades are going. If they are hitting the shroud you probably will want to remove the fan until finished.

Larry

Title: Re: Rear end alignment
Post by: Matto on July 18, 2011, 08:39:36 PM

Thanks Larry,
                     It's nice not to have to learn something the hard way once in awhile. ;)

Title: Re: Rear end alignment
Post by: Chasm on July 19, 2011, 11:59:47 AM

Matto:

I bought all 4 springs from Walck's 2 years ago and replaced the spring eye bolts and shackles all the way around. I had my alignment (front and rear) checked in a shop last month and the rear was dead on. I am confident that you will get the same results if you replaced everything the same way. Walck's does have quality parts!

Title: Re: Rear end alignment
Post by: Matto on July 19, 2011, 07:31:22 PM

Chasm,  I left the springs with the finish they came with. I could not bring myself to paint over "MADE IN THE USA HD" It's so uncommon to see these days.
Matt

Title: Re: Rear end alignment
Post by: Chasm on July 26, 2011, 01:43:47 PM

Quote

Chasm, �I left the springs with the finish they came with. I could not bring myself to paint over "MADE IN THE USA HD" It's so uncommon to see these days.
Matt

Matto:

I did the exact same thing! �;)
(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t41/jeepchasm/IMG_1965.jpg)
(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t41/jeepchasm/IMG_1969.jpg)
(Pay no attention to that bald guy in the photo, that's just me installing my American made springs! )