Backing plate backing off??

Maybe it's my 33s on the D27, but for some reason I've been having some serious symptoms that the backing plate bolts can't handle the weight. 3 wks. ago I noticed an odd grinding noise inside my left front wheel. After removing the wheel & drum, I found out that one of the lower bolts came free and the lock-washer was hanging up between the brake pad and the drum. Replaced right side brake pad and re-installed, no problem. 3 days later, I noticed the same audible grinding noise. "Aww, shoot!" Removed the wheel & drum, same probs. The 7 o'clock bolt had stripped and popped out. I simply removed it altogether, not knowing why the prob was nor what the consequences were. Today I found out the consequences part, lol.

Went to the store and came back to discover that the same front-left wheel was wayyyy bent-in. Gee, how'm I goona make it home?? I made it home, and snapped a couple pics...looks like another bolt or 2 worked their way free from the knuckle, and the wheel was bent it. Basically the backing plate was seeking freedom from the knuckle. Daaaang!! Anyone else experience this? Tomorrow I'll be drilling/tapping new threads for those puppies. Please advise!!
-Alan

 

Read up on studding the knuckles. Basically you replace the bolts with studs so there's no way they can pull out.
http://www.vernco.com/id404.htm
This tells you everything you need to know. Good luck

 

use a bigger washer (like a body one) to help spread the load.

 

I agree with Southtowns, it looks like you need to replace the bolts in the knuckles with studs. I have read the link he refers to and it is as good an explanation as I have seen. I have a set of knuckles I picked up cheap sitting in the shed with the studs installed for the day this happens....or the next time I have it tore down that far anyway, whichever comes first.

 

Dang, it looks like there's quite a bit of work getting those studs in. I don't have half the tools necessary for the job.

 

Alan: Remember when you were here I pointed out the box that contained lafster's studded knuckles? He went to a D30 6 mo. after he did the stud job. So post on the wanted to buy section, someone else may have done the same thing.

 

Alan if you can ship the knuckles to me, I will drill the holes out and machine the flats for the studs. Just shipping is all that it will cost, if you send the studs with it I will even press them in, the parts will come back sand blasted and all. We'll call this payment for the gear you sent me.

 

Mike that sounds like an offer I can't refuse. I'll pm ya. Thanks!

Just got back from the FLAPS. No go on the studs. I need to know the size of studs that'll work. The guy at the counter brought out 1/2" -20 x 1 3/4" Dorman studs, and that size sounded too thick. Anyone know the right size? :?

 

Alan: Look on vernco's site. He gives the Mopar # and the Spicer #.

 

I did that Jim, and the counter guy couldn't help me with those #s. I can go to the Chrysler dealer if all else fails.

There's a spicer dealer nearby (Sam Winer's), and their parts store is open tomorrow morning. Wish me luck.

 

Alan: Try Krage. Their way down towards the bottom.

http://www.jeepdoc.com/catalog/zproducts.asp?id=237

 

Are you guys missing the problem? Look at the first picture-it's the spindle bolts coming loose from the knuckle not the king pin bearings bolts pulling out. Are you seeing what I am? It's the spindle attach bolts that are stripped in the knuckle, replace the knuckle or helicoil the bolt holes in the knuckle.

 

what's the general rule on these studs?? i want to do the conversion down the road, but right now i'm not too motivated since i'm "only" running 31's. is there a specific tire size that draws the line on this?

for the edit::
has anytone done this without a trip to the machine shops?? i haven't had very good luck with the shops around here.

 

I hear ya willysnut. These guys are right on. My kingpin bearing bolts are fine. Yes it's the doggone friggin-fraggin' backing plate bolts that are busting loose from the knuckles. The Vernco website covers the issue of heli-coiling the bolt holes as a no-can-do.

I have a set of spare knuckles, so I'll prolly run those until I have probs again. I've got 33s and do hit RR tracks purty hard. :twisted: