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Material:
4 Feet 1/2" x 3" flat stock
7/8" bolt with 2.5" smooth shoulder
7/8" locknut, 2 flat washers, 1 lock washer
5/8" hitch pin
Step 1:
Grind the heads off the rivets retaining the shock mounts. Use a punch to
drive the rivets out. They are stubborn, but will come out. Try not to
ruin the shock mount pieces, they can be re-used.
Step 2:
Use a wire wheel to thoroughly clean the arm. The welds are critical, and
the prep work is essential.
Step 3: (Inner Pieces)
Cut two 1foot pieces of flat stock. One straight edge will be used. Make
some rough measurements and cut one side of each plate so it matches the
taper of the arm. Use another piece of steel as a straight edge, and clamp
it to the freshly cut piece. Grind until flush. Bevel the inside edges and
remove additional material until they fit the arm. The fit should be
somewhat loose to ensure the plates set flat, and to allow a deep weld.
Step 4: (Outer Pieces)
Use the same process to create the outer pieces. Bevel the inner edges to
allow a deep weld. Round the corners at the c-bushing end to allow the arm
to pivot. This can be perfected once the arm is cut.
Step 5:
Weld the inner pieces in place. All welds need to be done by an
experienced welder. They will already know proper welding technique.
Step 6:
Grind the welds and "splatter" until arm is flat and free of burrs.
Step 7:
Tack weld the outer pieces on. Keep in mind these will need to be removed
after drilling.
Step 8:
Drill a 7/8 pivot hole and a 5/8 pin hole. The pivot hole should be as
close to the C-bushing as possible, but not so close that it will prevent
the arm from pivoting. Use your best judgment. Drill the pin hole a few
inches back from the pivot hole. Be sure to leave about 6" from the pin
hole to the back of the plate for welding.
Step 9:
Mark the outer plates in multiple places, so they can be lined up exactly
as they were. Grind the tack welds and remove the outer plates. Cut the
arm in half. Round the corners of the C-bushing end to allow it to pivot.
This can be perfected once the arm is assembled. Again, make sure to allow
for 6" of weld on the outer plates.
Step 10:
Bolt and pin the outer plates to the C-bushing end of the arm. Use a
c-clamp to secure the back half of the arm between the plates. Tap the arm
into place. Make sure the marks made previously line up. Weld the plates
on.
Step 11:
Grind as necessary so the arm pivots freely
Step 12:
Cut the old shock mount plates down. Use a dummy bushing or some other
spacer and bolt the pieces together. Position the assembly on the arm
allowing the arm to pivot equally in both directions. Weld weld weld.
I think we're done. Throw some paint on that thing and get it installed! |
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