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Ramsey PTO Shaft Rubs Steering Bellcrank

Discussion in 'Winches' started by Hermey, Feb 21, 2017.

  1. Feb 21, 2017
    Hermey

    Hermey New Member

    Centennial, Colorado
    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2017
    Messages:
    6
    I recently discovered while attempting to have my front end aligned that the pto shaft of the Ramsey ?x200 winch on my 1963 CJ5 is rubbing (putting pressure) on the steering bell crank. I have had and 4 wheeled the jeep the last two summers over some Colorado passes and my guess is the problem was already there when I got the jeep two years ago and I didn't notice. Possibly it is from a small lift put in by a previous owner. There does not appear to be a problem with the frame, cross member, steering bellcrank, connecting rod or steering gear. Both parts, the shaft and the bellcrank are starting to flatten slightly where they meet and I need to lower the shaft it appears. It seems I need about 1/2 inch to an inch to have the shaft go below the the bellcrank. After looking at the housing that comes from the transfer case there are three bolts that have three placement options located inside the housing. I would need to open the housing to remove the bolts and place them in either of the next two hole options. It looks like that would lower the shaft just enough to give me clearance. I am hoping someone knows if this is why the housing has three apparent bolt hole locations (for adjustment) and if I am going to run into any major problems to open the housing and move the bolts. My other thought was possibly the winch itself could be lowered in the frame to give clearance. The P.O. had used the winch before but I have not used it yet. I have enjoyed reading your posts over the last two years and have finally joined. Thanks for any help you can give!
     
  2. Feb 22, 2017
    mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

    Republic of Texas
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    Can you post a couple pics of the offending area and the bolt holes?
     
  3. Feb 22, 2017
    Hermey

    Hermey New Member

    Centennial, Colorado
    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2017
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    6
    Here is the offending area where the pto shaft is pressing against the bellcrank.
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 23, 2017
  4. Feb 22, 2017
    Hermey

    Hermey New Member

    Centennial, Colorado
    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2017
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    This is where the pto attaches and it appears there are three potentially adjustable locations. The bolts would be on the inside of the housing. The shaft to the winch is at the bottom of the housing going to the right.
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 23, 2017
  5. Feb 22, 2017
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2003
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    8,102
    Is your PTO driveshaft a single piece of shaft or is there a ujiont in the middle of it?

    The multiple mounting holes are to adjust the down angle of the PTO to fit different vehicles- typically you'd use more of a down angle on a CJ than a Willlys truck.

    On mine there is just a smidgen of rubbing between the PTO shaft & bellcrank with the steering wheel all the way over to the right.

    Changing the PTO drop angle may fix that issue but introduce a new one such as the axle hitting the shaft.

    H.
     
  6. Feb 22, 2017
    Hermey

    Hermey New Member

    Centennial, Colorado
    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2017
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    The shaft has u joints on both ends but is a straight shaft made of two pieces with a joiner connecting them.

    There are 3 1/4 inches between the pto shaft and the axle while parked on the level.

    The pto unit drop angle seems to be at its highest setting as it is now. If I open the case to make the adjustment to lower the angle I'm hoping it will be pretty straight forward. Also, do you know what type of oil is in the pto unit as I will need to refill it when done. Thanks
     
  7. Feb 22, 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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    In my experience the clearances are very tight even at best. A little rubbing when the PTO spins doesn't bother me, and won't hurt if it's not interfering with steering the rest of the time.

    Otherwise shim and adjust the winch a smidge, or you could make a two piece shaft with a support bearing.

    I think re-clocking the PTO case might be too drastic. The units for truck and CJ are each manufactured for the specific application - at least the ones I've had.
     
  8. Feb 22, 2017
    Hermey

    Hermey New Member

    Centennial, Colorado
    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2017
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    The jeep drives fine but both the steering bell and the pto shaft are beginning to flatten.

    Looking at the winch itself it looks like in front there may be two lower mounting holes in the front but I cannot tell if there are lower holes in the back. Is the winch only held to the brackets by the bolts in front and back? 4 each side? It is hard to tell.
     
  9. Feb 22, 2017
    mickeykelley

    mickeykelley Well-Known Member

    Republic of Texas
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  10. Feb 23, 2017
    Hermey

    Hermey New Member

    Centennial, Colorado
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    Thank you! I think I will try to lower the winch before tackling the pto case.
     
  11. Apr 20, 2017
    Tomellen

    Tomellen Member

    Ticonderoga, NY
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