thrust bolts.

[curtisbyrne]

is it possible to make your own threaded hole in the end of the old style axles so i can add a thrust bolt and washer on there?

[wedge]

Thrust bolt and washer ? You lost me ?? Are you talking out at the Wheel hub or inside at the frame ?

[philipatmaxfour]

thrust bolts

I think Curtis wants to add a bolt and washer inside the frame at the inner bearing or bushing to keep his axle from moving outward? I don't know if the Magnum axles had a threaded hole. If not the axle would have to be removed to be drilled and tapped.

[AlaskaGrizzly]

Yes I've done it before. I had access to a lathe so it was easy for me to drill and tap the ends. If memory serves me correct they all have the center holes in the end so one could do it by hand as well if you wanted to.

[curtisbyrne]

can you just buy a certain type of bit that drills in while making threads? yes they all have the little hole in the end.

[dirtdobber]

can you just buy a certain type of bit that drills in while making threads

No. Drill first then tap. The best way for this type of thing is to use a lathe if you have access to one. The next best way, I guess, is if you have a big enough drill press with a table that will pivot 90 degrees. If no lathe or drill press, then you just lock it in a vice and drill as straight as you can with a hand held drill.

In case you don't already know this, your drill bit will be smaller than the desired bolt size. You don't drill a 3/8 hole to tap threads for a 3/8 bolt.

[Canadian_Zuk]

I'll add that if you have never tapped a steel hole before seek help from someone who has to give you a hand. If you break a tap you'll have a hard time getting it out.

[curtisbyrne]

i have never done it before so i will seek help.just installed all my axles the other day so will do it when i do a service on the Argo!

[wfo]

get a tap that will double cut as you turn it. it makes it a lot easier

[AlaskaGrizzly]

A 3/8-18 tap is strong. If you do it by hand cut 1/4 to 1/2 turn worth of threads and back out to the point that you break off the cuttings. Then go back in for another 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Don't force it and you won't break the tap. Doing them in the machine will be a bugger so take the time to pull them out. If done on a lathe you can power tap the entire way in one cut.

[ARGOJIM]

So seeing where this went I waited for a bit, if I remember you have 1 newer style axle with 1 inch inner bearing which should have the bolt in it already.?
If not here is the dilemma faced by the rest of the axles. The earlier generation splined axles which are 1-1/4 full length do not have a shoulder for the bolt to pull the bearing against, this addition will aid in the axles not pulling out but does nothing to hold it in. Agian if remembered correctly you replaced your older locking collar bearings with set screw lock bearings which could allow the axle to walk either way as the locking collars actually help lock the axle in place.

If this is so, perhaps tapping and installing the inner bolts on that side of the axles inner bearing and the a split locking collar either to the other side of that bearing or the inside of the outer bearing will do what you are seeking (or atleast what I believe you are attempting to achieve).

[curtisbyrne]

just bought a tap and die kit. there are holes in the axles already but not threaded. can i do it while axles are in the machine? anyway possible?

[curtisbyrne]

how far in should i drill out the hole and what size drill bit. im going to tap it with a drill,just watched a vid on it.

[mowbizz]

how far in should i drill out the hole and what size drill bit. im going to tap it with a drill,just watched a vid on it.

I'm no machinist but take the length of your bolt and add a quarter inch or so.
Mark your drill bit with a piece of tape or other mark so you drill the same depth for other holes.
As far as the drill bt size there must be a guide or table somewhere (internet) that tells you what size bit for a given thread size.

[dirtdobber]

mowbizz is right, but the only thing I would add is the length of your bolt. An inch of bolt threaded into the axle should be plenty, so drill about 1-1/4 inches.