willysmjeeps.com

I just installed a new bellcrank and bellcrank repair kit. I ordered two bellcrank repair kits from two dealers,

Midwest military vehicles

Brent Mullins

Both appear to be from the same manufacture, but there was play in both bearing races with the newly made accompanied bellcrank shaft. I thought I would go with the one that had the least play between the shaft and the race. I did this with each set of the bearings to the partnered shaft, race. I installed the new bellcrank with the bearings, shaft, kits and seals per the parts manual diagram and as I took the whole thing apart. My problem is there is still play in the steering bellcrank after all the work and $. The bellcrank shaft will not tighten completely to prevent play and slop that you can feeled multiplied times 5 at the steering wheel. And yes I am sure it is the bellcrank shaft bolt as I can clearly see it move when the wife turns the steering wheel. NOW.. wait... not done... I thought maybe that there was a problem with the bellcrank shaft /bolt, so I pulled it apart.... I know.. right...<--it was disheartening... I removed the shaft and installed the other shaft with race and still have the same problem! Could I have gotten a bad batch of these from two different suppliers? Or did I do something wrong? I will get some video up later this weekend.. I am recovering from a tooth extraction right now.. to boot! >...thanks for the help and tech help in advance.

The bellcrank shaft will not tighten completely to prevent play

Are you saying the pinch bolt on the frame is bottomed out and the bolt is loose where the pinch bolt holds it?

Does the kit come with a new sleeve for the bellcrank where the bearings ride?

Yes, thats exactly it, I wish I knew the terms better. The pinch bolt is as tight as it will get. I did clean out the cut out where the pinch is to ensure a good tightened pinch bolt. The bolt is actually loose just a small amount, the sleeve for the bolt (the bearing race) is the part that is loose as well. The bolt and race do not mate up for a snug fit. Boths parts of this slight movement is equalying to a whole lot of play. Any suggestions? I will post a few pictures this weekend.

So there are two problems.

The first problem with the pinch bolt, sounds like the bell crank shaft was allowed to rotate where the pinch bolt secures it and wore out the hole. You may be able to add a piece of shim stock between the bolt and housing but probably the best bet would be to drill and sleeve the hole on the frame where the bell crank bolt is secured.

The second problem with the bell crank housing sounds like the same deal. The bell crank housing is worn out and there is slop between the race and bell crank casting. Again a sleeve would fix that or you could get a new bell crank? That's why I was asking if a new sleeve comes with the kit.

This is just my opinion so wait for others to comment and without pictures we cannot be sure.

I thank you for your guidance! Anything is better than nothing.... thank you... and you are right....

UPDATE:

This morning John from Midwest Military Vehicles talked about tie rods<--he called me to clarify my order for tie rods... THanks for the call! This is customer service., this lead to me bringing up the bellcrank situation and John immediately knew what I was talking about.

John from MWMV, took time out to mesure all parts involved and compare to a NOS one he has on hand. All while he had me on the phone! Thanks John, the differences would allow a light play so that the sleeve can be placed on the main pivot bolt. John did not have to do this.. he took time out to help me with my own MV problem. Your awesome John. Thanks!

Turns out as 53A1 and John are on the same page. I took the micrometer out to the jeep, took everything apart and I do in fact have a "wobbled" out of spec hole in the bracket.... anyways... John and 53A1 suggestions were spot on... get some shim stock and go from there.... which I will do...

So end result... Me... Happy! Problem solved... now to fix it...new parts from supplier are fine... just me... operater head space and timing...

BIG THANKS to


53A1

and

John at Midwest Military Vehicles! You guys rock.

OK, I have the same problem. Now, you talk about getting some shim stock - okay, call me slow or whatever, but what type of shim stock, and what am I shimming? Also, I have a decent bellcrank bracket on the frame I am getting ready to scrap. I see that it is riveted to the crossmember in 3 places. Would it be acceptable to remove the bracket and install it using grade 8 bolts/nuts? The rivets look to be pretty small (maybe 1/4" or less), so this concerns me - would they hold up?

Matt, the M38 bellcrank brackets I see are very much welded to the round crossmember.

Oh yeah, sorry. I didn't specify that mine is an 'a1.