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'90 K5 - Project Betty - LS3 Swap for a DD/Offroad/Utility Build

I was hoping that I could keep my axle approximately in the stock position when swapping to 52" leaf springs, such that my predetermined pinion angle would be within a couple degrees of perfect. Does that seem realistic

With the B52 set-up you could dial in axle location. Getting the axle located isn't going to be the hard part of your build.

I was assuming the distance between the C's was set by a lip on the exterior. That is to say, I assumed they could only be pressed or beaten on so far. Is that incorrect?

I wouldn't assume anything, and to go further, even if there is a lip...can you be sure it's hard up against that lip after being rotated? My thinking on kingpin to kingpin dim's is for confirmation purposes. It's not likely to get one or both C's slightly cocked, or not against the lip (if it's there) but having KP dim's will put your mind at ease.

While I got you here, how should I reweld the C's (I know I am getting ahead of myself). Once again, I have heard multiple scenarios. Here is at least two of them.
1. Just weld it, approximately 1/4 of the circumference at a time, alternating sides.
2. Preheat significantly - stitch four longer tacks at 0, 90, 180, & 270 degrees from your arbitrary starting point. Allow to cool, repeat the process shifting 45 degrees from initial, cool, repeat until fully welded then weld over the stitched weld.

Once you're satisfied the C is exactly where you want it tack in 4 places 90 degrees apart. Re-check all dim's. If everything is right where it should be burn about a 1/2"-3/4" fillet into each tack. Ideally you would stand the diff upright so you're welding in the horizontal position.

Pre-heat the C to 250 F. I would weld it in a back step pattern. Weld 90 degrees of the circle (3 o clock to 6 o clock) then the next weld would be from noon to 3 o clock etc. Welding it this way you finish a weld by burning into the start of the previous weld, helping to negate a big crater at the stop/start. This method also greatly equalizes the heat affected zone, and reduces distortion a fair bit.

Interpass temp shouldn't exceed 350 F. You should ideally have two temp sticks, a 250 and a 350.

Bit of an oversight, but what is your welding set-up? I hope you have something with a bit of jam to it. E70-S6 microwire in .035" would be fine, but it does depend on machine. 7018 stick would work too...

Likely you'll do three passes to get to the appropriate fillet size. I'd aim for a 3/8" fillet. After welding, let it air cool if ambient is not too cold. Cast steel isn't anywhere near as fussy as cast iron, but it can warp. Even "through heat" is the key to keeping the C's true. If you're worried about it, you can throw a welding blanket over it to slow the cool down time.

Hope that helps a little.
 
Helps a lot, thanks. So I took your previous post to heart but instead of measuring the C's top and bottom, I used a caliper to measure how far on the tube each side is. That makes more sense to me regarding the positioning of the inner c because of how much more accurate a caliper is over 1\4 inch then a tape over 25". Having said that, it will not tell me if I have altered the exterior state of the inner c by warping, hammering, etc. So I should probably measure both.

I am going to try Bill another time, the indexing and pressing the knuckle back on has me worried. He has jigs set up, and I have gone too far with the truck to screw this up. Having said that, if his phone is still not accepting calls then I guess I have no choice but to continue to go at it on my own.
 
Drove about 75% of the hour an a half drive to pick up the press only to be told it sold, even though he knew I was on my way.

Got the red dragon torch out, after figuring out how to overcome the p.o.l. Valve crap, I got it going. Heated and beated the C and got about an 1/8 of an inch of progress and beat the crap out of c and my tube in the process.

I guess I need more heat, but with all this damage, I gotta think a press is the way to go. Problem is they are expensive as crap for something I really don't have a lot of application for. uploadfromtaptalk1394407146497.jpguploadfromtaptalk1394407166355.jpg

uploadfromtaptalk1394407146497.jpg

uploadfromtaptalk1394407166355.jpg
 
Just one thing, and I don't know if I'm right, but I don't see a reason to actually remove the c. I would think to just rotate.
 
I have read that you cannot generate enough force to rotate, the tolerance is too tight. Maybe after removal and some time with the flap wheel.

I was really trying to prove it was free more than anything.

I agree if it can be rotated then why remove it.
 
I feel like there is a way to create something or some way of putting rotational force into it. Something involving u bolts and like 2x2 .25 wall tubing.
 
I see where you are going, make some sort of pseudo-legs. I would gain more stability if removed the carrier, gears, etc and laid it flat on its face, but that is extra work and I am trying to go the other way.
 
I also tried beating the C to rotate both ways as well. I do know know if it moved, if so not much.

With this 52 swap, is there a long side and short side to the spring? I read some info on caster angle from a forum on pirate (it was about fords) which suggested that the design of the spring forced the perches to rotate one way or another. Since I am using rear springs, it is supposed to rotate the perch like it would a rear axle (paraphrasing here).

Does that make any sense? You mentioned that the perches weren't truly level, should they be positive or negative?
 
I have a millermatic 212, and I am using .035 wire. It is rated up to 3/8's inches thick.
 
52's are symmetrical springs, 26" to the center pin each way. The only determining factor for orientation is the spring eyes...maybe. Can't recall if the 52's have a military wrap on one end or not. Either way, with the pin being center the arch at the perch isn't going to help or hinder.

I'd seriously consider a second weed burner/tiger torch, and aim the flames a little farther from the tube. It appears you were getting the tube as hot as the "C" which is going greatly hinder you.

Sounds like you have enough machine, and the wire size is fine too. Check the spool, it should say E70-S6 on it somewhere. What is the max output voltage on your machine? Getting a bit ahead, but if it has enough output voltage it'd be best to go to an argon mix more conducive to better penetration. Ideally something in the 90%+ range argon.
 
I tried to use the cutting torch on the otherside of the C. So you are thinking maybe it I am the torches closer to where the kingpin fits in and below?

The welder specs are as follows.
30 amps min, 210 amps max, 160 Amps at 24.5 VDC, 60% duty cycle. Max open circuit voltage = 34.5 V

I'll have to check on the gas. For one reason or another I thought I wanted 80/20 but got talked out of it. Or maybe I got talked into it.
 
I'm thinking if you rotated the housing so the C's were flat, then had one torch on each leg of the C...aiming to minimize the heat the tube itself was seeing. you want hot, but more importantly for you is temp differential between the C and the tube.

Never mind on the welder, it'll be fine. You definitely want the upper limit of the heat range though. a 75/25 mix is fine. I won't clutter things up further regarding the welding til you get there. Right now, all you need to know is what you have will work fine.
 
I have rotated it like you suggested post taking that picture for two reasons. 1. to heat it better, 2. I was having a hard time hitting the underside because of the straps and stands. That is the only way I got the 1/8th of an inch I got.

I got a 50 ton HF press on the way. Not sure of what the timing will be on it b/c it is a special freight, but if it isnt too soon, I'll give it another go. The main thing I am concerned about is getting the C back on. I guess I could re-heat and sledge it, but how could I ever get my castor dialed in that way? Also, I am really dicking up the rear c face from sledging it. I have ruined my index mark. I guess it is ok as long as I do not have both C's off at the same time. I can always reference the other one.

I don't think the press would pay off for this project, but I'll convert it to a brake for the dash and any other bending coming up.
 
Pirate Help

Got some help from 68Crawler over at pirate4x4. He sent me a link to his sickass Bronco thread where he did a similar cut and turn without removing the C's. Here are the pictures of his operation.

01_Cutting the Weld.jpg

02_Cutting the Weld.jpg

03_Heating the C.jpg

04_Heating the C.jpg

05_Heating the C.jpg
 
Pirate Help Continued

Finished product.

Looks like the guy was even featured in 4wheelers' top 10 trucks of 2008.

06_Rotated C.jpg

07_Rotated C Mock Up.jpg

08_Finished Product.jpg

09_Finished Product.jpg
 
Got a rosebud tip today, got it cherry, got it turned. A more proper post to follow. uploadfromtaptalk1394499377992.jpg

uploadfromtaptalk1394499377992.jpg
 
Glad you got you it turned. It will be interesting to see how quickly you get the other side done.
 
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