Another sheared Left Spring centering pin

[Jesus_man]

I think I have maybe 4 wheeling trips on this centering pin in my leaf pack. It's also the same passenger side pin. I am 95% it's sheared, although I have not taken the pack apart to confirm. The angle of the head and the vibrations I was feeling the last time I drove it indicate the axle isn't centered where it needs to be.

So what can I do? I know these pins are pretty soft for some reason, so do I get a long grade 8 both and round off the head?

I have the u-bolts tightened down pretty darn tight.

Open to suggestions short of 4-link...

[Kinder]

Yes, grade 8 and upsize, the older the spring pack the smaller diameter the bolt will be. My old JD springs were only 5/16, Willem’s newer WH pack had 7/16, so I drilled my pack out to fit the larger size.

Additionally, I upsized both Broncos to the largest U bolts and used the monster U bolt plates, this allows 125 ft/lbs of torque on the pack.

[Jesus_man]

Well alrighty then. Guess I'll take the pack apart and see the hole ID.

Thanks!

[Jesus_man]

Mine from Tom's were 3/8". So went to my local ranch supply and picked up a couple grade 8 x 3.5"L and will try that.

[Jesus_man]

Something just isn't quite right here:


I just can't quite put my finger on it:


(Please tell me the pictures are loaded)

[landshark]

the pictures loaded, what size ubolts are you running? I kept shredding my centering pins (i think 3-4) until i took out the shims, cut off the perches and re-welded them for the correct pinon angle. haven't had an issue since. I am running the wildhorse or ruff stuff HD spring plates and 5/8? ubolts as well..

[Jesus_man]

I could use to beef up the spring plate and u-bolts. They are 1/2" with a 3/8" flat plate, I think. I'd like to do what you did someday.

I don't like running the shim either. But I do have plans one day to push the rear axle back so I don't want to "re-perch" it just yet.

[horseplay]

you also might want to look into anti wrap system if you don't already have some thing in place.

[Jesus_man]

I have been contemplating something like that as well. But my redesign in the future may include a 4-link. Although I am leaning toward just moving the whole leaf spring system rearward to keep it all simple. I'll cross that bridge later.

[Jesus_man]

Been driving the bronco around and the vibration is again gone! So if you feel a vibration that appears to have a higher rpm than the wheels, check your leaf spring centering pin. If that axle isn't square, it'll force your driveshaft to extend and collapse on every rotation.