56 knuckles - stud replacements?

56 cj5. one of the knuckles has 2 holes, ( 3 and 4 o'clock) that are 'almost' stripped. Before I get a new knuckle (or even if I do), would the stud conversions that Vernco talks about work or will I have interference problems. I have spicer joints (was bendix, but one of them was broken so I 'upgraded'.

Mike N
56 cj5 pto front pto rear

 

Doesn't Vern cover the clearance issues with the press-in stud buttons?

 

yes - he basically said that the 3 and 9 o'clock bolts don't have enough room for studs (my 3 o'clock is one of the ones that was stripped). I was hoping, since Vern was addressing an earlier model that it might not be a problem on mine (I know - -a long shot, but figured I'd ask. )

Looks like I either need a new knuckle or get along with one stripped hole. I'm thinking of new knuckle and studs for the 'other' positions.

thanks, mike
56 front / rear pto

 

You could alternately follow Vern's instructions and Helicoil the stripped stud at position 3.

 

whatever you choose, do not choose to "get along with one stripped hole". Leaving one stud/bolt out is not an option. Its a safety thing.

Tom

 

I highly reccomend the button head cap screw from the backside of the knuckle variation of this fix. I did it on my axle and was happy with the results. I had to clearance grind a little bit on some of the button heads to clear the ball end of the axle housing.
A spot facing cutter from discount Machine shop supply on the internet was about $36, and the screws are available at a good Ace hardware.

Don

 

x2

Got the button head screws at McMaster