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...

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.

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

Thanks!

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.

Something just isn't quite right here:


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


(Please tell me the pictures are loaded)

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..

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.

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

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.

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.