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Knuckle Stud Upgrade....... Again?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by CJ Joe, Feb 9, 2017.

  1. Feb 9, 2017
    CJ Joe

    CJ Joe Truckhaven Tough!

    Pinon Hills, CA
    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2002
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    390
    No, I guess you could say this is an upgrade to the upgrade.

    It's been twelve years since I busted my knuckle at Truckhaven and documented the stud upgrade. Well, today while in the process of adding disc brakes to the front axle I loosened those nuts. Some of the bolts ('cause we all know they're not really studs) are spinning. The lock-tite bond has broken.

    So sure there are ways to finesse a blind headed bolt to prevent turning till the clamping force improves the process. But I wanted to use prevailing torque nuts and that just ain't going to happen. Besides after my attempt with the new disc brake brackets in place access is very limited. And if I'm struggling and cussing while in my own garage I can imagine what a nightmare some trail repair could become. Stand down, these knuckles are coming off.

    So even though the total brake upgrade was really making some progress it's on hold while I try to solve this. First thought was to remove the knuckle and just tack weld the heads. That's for Bubba, not me. I may consider tack welding pairs of heads together with some 3/16" steel rod bend into a crescent, if there is clearance. We'll see.

    Stay tuned.
     
  2. Feb 10, 2017
    ETZFAM

    ETZFAM FLATIES & ROUND FENDERS, SOME EVEN RUN

    WENATCHEE, WA
    Joined:
    Jul 4, 2007
    Messages:
    63
    I have done this up grade about three times on different Jeeps, I used allen head bolts, grade 8, and put them in from the back side as well as locktite, you will have to take the knuckles to someone to spot face the back so the bolts have a flat surface and space to go in.

    There have been some write ups on this before?

    Rick
     
  3. Feb 10, 2017
    Uncle Vin

    Uncle Vin Member 2022 Sponsor

    Long Island, New...
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    Sep 29, 2008
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    I like this idea "I may consider tack welding pairs of heads together with some 3/16" steel rod bend into a crescent, if there is clearance"
     
  4. Feb 10, 2017
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2003
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    8,513
    Joe
    You found them loose or they loosened up when you tried to remove them ?
     
  5. Feb 10, 2017
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2015
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    6,656
    I can't remember. Are they 3/8" or 5/16"?

    You might have to go metric to get a stud small enough, but why not use wheel studs? They would press into place, would never move, and would be as strong as anything.
    [​IMG]
    This link is for an M10, which is just a hair over 3/8".
    Dorman Products 610-308: WHEEL STUD M10-1.25 | JEGS
     
  6. Feb 10, 2017
    Framer Mike P

    Framer Mike P Member

    Hopkinton, NH
    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2016
    Messages:
    217
    I remember the original write up by CJ Joe - I think he discussed the option of using spindle studs from a dana 30 axle.
     
  7. Feb 10, 2017
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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  8. Feb 10, 2017
    CJ Joe

    CJ Joe Truckhaven Tough!

    Pinon Hills, CA
    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2002
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    390
    Jim, it must have been when I was removing the nuts. I can't imagine they could while being torqued down.
     
  9. Feb 10, 2017
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Aug 3, 2003
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    9,754
    How about plow-bolts? They come in high strength grades.

    A little countersinking and a tad of square hand filing…

    [​IMG]
     
  10. Feb 11, 2017
    CJ Joe

    CJ Joe Truckhaven Tough!

    Pinon Hills, CA
    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2002
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    390
    This has always been a great alternative, except the price. The stud in your link is $13.99 each, there are 12 required. I just bought 3/8-24 NFx1-1/2" button heads for 60 cents each from McMaster-Carr. The new bolts I ordered are 1/4" longer to allow for the additional thickness of the new disc caliper bracket.

    I removed both knuckles last night. Got everything cleaned up. The bolts should arrive today.
     

    Attached Files:

  11. Feb 11, 2017
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    :shock: Didn't see that. :n:
     
  12. Feb 11, 2017
    45es

    45es Active Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Naches, WA
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    The studs can be purchased at O'Reilly Auto Parts for $1.99/ea. Not as cheap as the button heads but a lot less than what Jegs wants.
     
  13. Feb 13, 2017
    Jeepenstein

    Jeepenstein Me like Jeep..

    North Central FL
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    Jun 15, 2003
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    2,132

    I tack welded mine.. :p


    Bubba
     
  14. Feb 15, 2017
    CJ Joe

    CJ Joe Truckhaven Tough!

    Pinon Hills, CA
    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2002
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    390
    OK, Bubba wins this round. I spent a couple of evenings trying different methods but they all resulted in limiting the sweep angle. I ground the 3 & 9 o'clock heads down to about .090 and tack welded the whole bunch in. That was a whole lot faster.

    Here's to Bubba :beer:
     
    jpflat2a and ITLKSEZ like this.
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