Tightening Bell Crank

[aboyandhisdog]

I couldn't find the proper way to tighten the bell crank in the service manual.  Do you just make it tight before tightening the pincher bolt, or are you supposed to back off of the big bell crank bolt a bit so that it will turn easily?  Much appreciate your help!

[athawk11]

Tom,
I was hoping someone else would jump in because I'm not entirely sure I have the correct answer.  + Bell crank pins seem to vary.  I have the type with a nylon lock nut.  I installed the pin, tightened this nut, then backed it off just enough to have free movement, but tight enough that there is zero slop.  I then tightened up the pinch bolt.  Hope I'm helping.  To others...If I'm leading aboyandhisdog down a deep dark path, please help us both! :-?

[Ryan_M]

I pretty much did the same thing Tim. I couldn't find any definitive answers either so I tightened just enough so it still moves freely. It may not be right but it hasn't fallen out yet.....

[1955CJ-5]

X3..

just go back and check it once in a while after you start driving it....

[aboyandhisdog]

Thanks for the input.  I put new in years ago and couldn't remember just how it was set up.  There must be some kind of a shoulder on the bolt as I just cranked it down tight, then tightened up the pinch bolt and the steering is perfect.  The bell crank had a wobble before so I knew it was too loose.  Now, good to go.

Tim and Ryan, interesting that you have a lock nut.  That makes sense.  Mine might be a lock nut too - looks kind of like a castle nut but there isn't room for a cotter pin.  If that's a lock nut, it may have lost the ability to "lock".  Anyway, we're good now, but I may want to get a new nut at some point.

[athawk11]

The kit on Walck's website looks to include a castle style nut.  My guess is the nylon locker is a later version.

You could drill a hole for the cotter.  It surely couldn't hurt anything.

Tim