TA pocket repair needed?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 80
Likes: 3
From: Hastings MN
TA pocket repair needed?
Just got my 1970 frame back after rust removal dipping. Noticed the trailing arm pockets look bent inwards. Do these pocket sides need to be parallel for the TA and shims to fit properly? Anyone have a picture of a correct pocket?
Thanks,
Dan
Thanks,
Dan
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,886
Likes: 9
Yes. At some time in the past, the outboard shim pack was too small, so the pocket was crushed when the bolt was torqued.
Just make sure when you put it back together, the shim pack is snug before you tighten the bolt.
Just make sure when you put it back together, the shim pack is snug before you tighten the bolt.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,283
Likes: 4,373
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi lt,
The end caps of the frame rails are missing.
Did you remove that? Why?
It looks to me as though some work was done in the t-arm pockets and the connection of the kick-ups to the frame rails and crossmember.
I think now is the time to straighten things out. You'll never have this access again until the next time you remove the body.
Regards,
Alan
The end caps of the frame rails are missing.
Did you remove that? Why?
It looks to me as though some work was done in the t-arm pockets and the connection of the kick-ups to the frame rails and crossmember.
I think now is the time to straighten things out. You'll never have this access again until the next time you remove the body.
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; May 11, 2014 at 10:41 AM.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 80
Likes: 3
From: Hastings MN
I've been wondering if there has been previous work done in this area based on the marks that became visible after the rust was removed?
I'm planning on buying the new short frame rail end sections and replacing both sides. There are some good step-by-step write-ups on the forum for this task.
I'm planning on buying the new short frame rail end sections and replacing both sides. There are some good step-by-step write-ups on the forum for this task.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,283
Likes: 4,373
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi lt,
That certainly clarifies the situation.
Since you're going to be doing all that work on the frame rails I'd certainly make a carefully assessment of the steel in the kick-ups and even if they don't need to be replaced do the work necessary to straighten the pockets out.
Regards,
Alan
That certainly clarifies the situation.
Since you're going to be doing all that work on the frame rails I'd certainly make a carefully assessment of the steel in the kick-ups and even if they don't need to be replaced do the work necessary to straighten the pockets out.
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 80
Likes: 3
From: Hastings MN
My assessment thus far:
The inside dimension at the TA bolt holes is 3-7/32", the pocket width at the face is 2-5/8". Do I need to widen the pocket opening to match the inside at the bolt holes?
I'm at a loss to explain how the pocket is so bent out of shape. I understand the TA bolt crushing the inside, but what would cause the outside edges to be bent?
Any suggestions how to widen the opening? Do I need to cut all the welds around the pocket, remove the reinforcement, and straighten everything piece by piece?
Would the marks on the frame, by the welds, have been made during assembly at the factory?
Is this the level of quality for welds at the factory?
The inside dimension at the TA bolt holes is 3-7/32", the pocket width at the face is 2-5/8". Do I need to widen the pocket opening to match the inside at the bolt holes?
I'm at a loss to explain how the pocket is so bent out of shape. I understand the TA bolt crushing the inside, but what would cause the outside edges to be bent?
Any suggestions how to widen the opening? Do I need to cut all the welds around the pocket, remove the reinforcement, and straighten everything piece by piece?
Would the marks on the frame, by the welds, have been made during assembly at the factory?
Is this the level of quality for welds at the factory?
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