My Willys 3A and 3B Community

3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base => "Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations => Topic started by: Pats4WD on November 30, 2012, 07:46:15 PM

Title: Bell Crank Question
Post by: Pats4WD on November 30, 2012, 07:46:15 PM
I currently have my steering all tore apart cleaning and repairing.  I was on Walck"s looking at the drag link repare kit and noticed that the Bell Crank repair kit has all sorts of bearings and big notches in the bolt.  My bell crank seems to just have a big brass bushing with slots cut in it to carry grease from the zerk the length of the bushing.  No bearings.  Am I missing something or do I just have the Poor mans version?
Title: Re: Bell Crank Question
Post by: calvinhunt on December 01, 2012, 01:54:39 AM
Pats4WD
  My Jeep is an early serial-numbered 1949.  I purchased it from the son of the original owner.  I was told, and it seemed to prove out, that the Jeep had never been altered.  I really don't think it had ever been serviced, either. When I disassembled my steering bell crank it had the upper and lower bearings, upper and lower seals, the spacer to go between the bearings with the other items just like were in the replacement kit of new parts.  I have known over the years more than once that a knowledgeable mechanic has replaced a bearing with a bushing of his own making.  Possibly that's what you have found.  If it's not worn it will probably continue to serve as someone intended.  If it is, I'm sure the overhaul kit from Walck's will fit right in and serve you well.
Title: Re: Bell Crank Question
Post by: johnrb3b on December 01, 2012, 11:04:45 AM
Yes, Carl Walck's kit works great. My bell crank was visibly wobbling as I turned the steering wheel.
Now it's nice and tight. Just like new.