Guy goes into a garage to grease bearings.....

[mfenmor]

This is a really neat build. The finished product will be impressive.

I'm just hoping it doesn't turn out to be a great big flop, or I'll have to tear it all off and do a springer.

[john swenson]

it's a beautiful thing !! .. i have those same 4'' bearing flanges and good bearings . i have not had to change a bearing in 3 yrs , even after all the mud at busco . because they are so easy to get to , i think being able to wash them off after rides and easy greasing procedure has helped . same with my chains. i'm still excited to see the upcoming portal box chains and tensioning system your creating . good thing i don't live next door you'd have to lock me out , lol j.b.

[dirtdobber]

This is a really neat build. The finished product will be impressive.

[mfenmor]

Great attention to detail.

Thanks Keith.
I often look at my pictures and see something, then think....I can do that better.

[onlyonce]

Great attention to detail.

[mfenmor]

So changed around the bolts so head is closest to tub, a little more space.

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Then was able to get the nuts on the attachment bolts. Got a slight tension on them, then heated the tub from the inside at the point they touch. Tightened bolts all the way and added more heat. Tub moved in nicely. Underside had a bulge so propped it up with a 2x6 and let it cool. Perfect imprint of the bolts in the tub now and no pressure on it to rub thru.

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I had tried to come up with a jig to push in on the tub while heating, then tried freehand, clamps, boards, nothing was going to work. I was about to use longer bolts just to get it started, but then was able to get the nuts on.
All worked out good.

[mfenmor]

Had to pull the boxes back off.
The bearing retaining bolts interfered with the bottom of the tub.
Got the heat gun out and will make a few more mods just under the frame.

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You can see where it was bolted to the frame, and the tub just starts curving under where the bearing flange starts. Not much to move, but just enough to make you go "GRRR"

[mfenmor]

Got the inner bearings installed.
I made this centering shaft so i can tighten flanges without axles installed.
If you try to tighten the flanges without an axle installed, it may not be (and probably won't) be aligned with the outer bearing.
Smack the shaft while bolts are semi tight to settle bearings straight.

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I marked my bearings so I know where the grease holes are in them, then I line them up with the grease zerk. Just my OCD.

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[mfenmor]

It's amazing how some of the small stuff can take up so much time. I spend 6 hours today on the shift linkage, though I did make new couplers for the diamond shifters.

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[mfenmor]

Another five hours in the garage today,
Got the T-20 and engine mount installed.

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[mfenmor]

i just went back and looked closer at the picture looking down in the portal box. are the 2 bolt holes facing toward the center slotted ? chain tensioning system ? j.b.

Sorry JB, no slotted holes.

[john swenson]

i just went back and looked closer at the picture looking down in the portal box. are the 2 bolt holes facing toward the center slotted ? chain tensioning system ? j.b.

[john swenson]

looking awesome mike ...excellent job. i'm really looking forward to the portal box chains installing , etc. the portals do look very stout . j.b.

[mfenmor]

So I warmed up the garage today in anticipation of getting the drive train installed, However...in my excitement of getting my new portal boxes done, I forgot to order new inner bearings! The original start of this thread. DOH!

Ordered new bearings FIRST!

So I just attached the boxes to the frame in tub.
This took 4 hours today. Fun fun fun.

A little silicone, no water in please, no oil out.

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1/2"-20 grade 8 bolts fit in VERY tightly. Bolts mic'd at .496 so drilled and reamed holes to .496
No threads in the holes, all shoulder.

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Torqued to 90 Ft. Lbs.

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I feel VERY confidant no further support will be needed for these.

Gotta wait for inner bearings to go any further.

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Had to trim the skid plates so only one layer of material between frame and boxes.

I'll start installing T-20 and laterals.

[mfenmor]

I got another idea.

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