knuckle (d27a) stud mod clearance question

i have installed the studs in the knuckle housing and pulled them into place using washer spacers and a nut. the head is flat on one edge so i didn't have to grind the seat for them to sit flat and well.

of course now when i test fit with they hit the ball edge when turned to extreme. i have no problem grinding ball bottom a little at the 5 oclock and 7 oclock positions but am concerned that grinding the 9 and 3 oclock positions will cause seal problems. how much grinding can be done before i weaken the ball?

i will be using my dremel to grind gently.

would it be reasonable to grind a touch off the head of the studs at that position? they are grade 8 from krage. i will be using grade 8 metal locking nuts and NOT nylock.

 

R) well, not as bad as if i had already decided to try the grinding.

i seemed to have forgotten that little section of vern's write up when i read it a while ago went back to re-read on a suspicion and uttered the usual "four letter incantations".

so... actually on my way to work this am. i was thinking that i could push the studs back out at the 9 and 3 positions and retap tap the holes for what ever would thread a 3/8" hole. then reinstall larger grade 8 short bolts back in those places. and still grind a little at the 7 and 5 positions?

what do yall think? safe? clever? last ditch attempt to sweep my dumb mistake under the carpet and not let my wife know what a moron she married (well .. ok .. , reconfirm her suspicions then.) R)
??

i'm glad i doing this one step and one side at a time. R)

 

ok, by my calcs. i should drill out the 3/8 to 25/64" and tap for a 7/16" x 20 thread bolt.

well ok the machine supply shop's calcs.

does that seem like it will be awfully large for that space?

if this doesn't work look for my new addition to the wanted space for a drivers side (left) d27a knuckle in decent condition for a 69 jc5.

 

i rechecked and if i take a little bit at a time with lots of cutting oil, i should probably be able to use a 7/16 x 20 tapered tap without redrilling. this is probably what they did in your case mike since the is no other size up from the earlier. 12 mm is larger than 3/8 (6/16).

 

i wouldn't give up on those studs yet.

iirc i had to grind a little off the heads to make it work. try that first to see how much clearance you need and if you feel comfortable with the stud strength i would keep them. it really shouldn't take much for proper clearance.

chris

 

thanks chris. i'll try that tonite first.