Axle bushing

[Ryan_M]

'49 3A

I replaced the driver side Rzeppa axle shaft with a Spicer shaft. The spindle was outfitted with the straight bushing - not the flanged one.� I installed a spindle with a new flanged bushing and now it binds, preventing the axle from spinning unless using moderate force.

I put the orignal spindle back on (non flanged bushing) and the axle spins freely but has maybe 1/8" end play.

The spicer axle is non threaded but has a snap ring groove.

The old Rzeppa was threaded and had a nut and shims.

Should I be using the flanged bushing with the Spicer? Everything I have read says I should. If so, why does it bind? If not, how do I shim the axle so there isn't to much endplay?

I was hearing a clicking sound when� turning hard driver before I replaced the axle (and king pin bearings) and I'm still hearing it now. I have not touched the passenger side yet.

[Bob W]

Did the spindle with the flanged bushing originally have a flanged bushing?

[Ryan_M]

Did the spindle with the flanged bushing originally have a flanged bushing?

No. I pulled out a non-flanged bushing and drove in the new flanged one....I think. I have so many spares floating around and I thought they were all the same. Did the spindle change at some point?


I have located the clicking sound - it was actually the passenger side axle making all the racket. I just pulled it out (Rzeppa) and installed a Spicer. So here's what I have:

Driver:
Spicer axle with snap ring
Non-flanged bushing on "original" spindle.

Passenger:
Spicer with no snap ring slot
Non flanged bushing on "original" spindle.

The Rzeppa's were all shimmed. Do I need to shim the Spicers? I have left all the shims out for now.

[Bob W]

I think the spindles designed for flanged bushings have a machined surface that sets the depth of the bushing.

As you see there are a million different combinations of components. Basically the center of the universal joint needs to be centered between the king pin bearings. Generally the Spicer joint is held there by the flanged bushing and the snap ring (no shims). It seems like the Spicer joints are pretty good at finding their own center even when something is missing.

[Ryan_M]

Thanks for the help Bob. I think it should be okay. Worst case your weekend will be ruined pulling me out of the NH woods Saturday�