Bellcrank best overhaul solution?

arisLgr · Post by **arisLgr** » Thu Jun 09, 2022 10:32 am

Hi all again!
Not too long ago I put in a new repair kit but again I find play in the bellcrank, most up and down. I read about repair kits of various qualities but also about modifications with coned bearings and brass bushing. What do you guys think has proven after all these years to be the best way to go?
Thanks ahead!
Aris

RonD2 · Post by **RonD2** » Thu Jun 09, 2022 4:53 pm

Hi Aris,
What exactly were the parts in your "repair kit"?
If your "repair kit" didn't repair the problem maybe you have a defective repair kit or some other problem that needs attention?

I wouldn't suggest modifying anything until you discover the real problem. I'd be very careful of "modifications" that persuade you they're "better".
The "Tight-steer" gadget comes to mind.

I think the best way to go is to use only quality repair parts in the entire steering system to return it to original designed performance.
Finding those parts can be a challenge.

Your life depends on it.
Just my 2-cents.

Good luck!

Xamon · Post by **Xamon** » Fri Jun 10, 2022 7:50 am

There were also two bellcranks with different length components (not counting civvy stuff) if you put the long shaft stuff on the short shaft crank you will get lots of play, I can't remember if they were different diameters as well or not.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Fri Jun 10, 2022 3:01 pm

Yes, there are several threads on those shafts. And there may be 3.

arisLgr · Post by **arisLgr** » Sun Jun 12, 2022 10:04 am

OK thanks for the input guys!
OK Ron no mods, so the challenge now as Xamon wrote, is to find what shaft length repair kit I need.
The Bellcrank is mounted again as the M38 needs to go a.s.a.p back to it’s yearly ‘comission’ for the summer holidays, however I took a picture and I know I have the WO-647008 Ord 8677020.
Now the 9 SNL G-740 mentions two bellcranks so I know which one I have, however I could not find in the book a Drawing of the Bellcrank assy itself, in order to pinpoint the part numbers of the appropriate shaft length kit. Hope this is not Greek to you

Any ideas please?
Here are some pics

arisLgr · Post by **arisLgr** » Sun Jun 12, 2022 10:08 am

still not good at picture posting.....

Post by **wesk** » Sun Jun 12, 2022 11:07 am

Your bellcrank has a casting number on it that only represents the bellcrank in it's basic form after leaving the casting mill.

The ORD 9 does not list two different bellcranks. It actually lists the same bellcrank casting listing it first as a bellcrank only and then listing it's assembly part number when you include the parts listed below it actually assembled to it.

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Mon Jun 13, 2022 7:29 am

This whole thread is worth the read:

http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... =bellcrank

arisLgr · Post by **arisLgr** » Thu Jun 16, 2022 2:50 am

4x4M38 wrote:This whole thread is worth the read:

http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules. ... =bellcrank

Whow very informative but at the same time confusing! Unlike other straightforward M38 repairs, the bellcrank's repair is like hit-and-miss job, with kits mixing wrong shaft lengths or missing wavy washers and what have you.

With my original bellcrank WO-647008 that has no inner play, does anyone know of a reliable supplier that has the correct kit with all the needed parts?

Pierre · Post by **Pierre** » Thu Jun 16, 2022 3:24 pm

I got an NOS M38 bell crank repair kit from General Taylor a few weeks ago.
Reasonably priced too and good people to deal with

There on facebook