> Anybody know why the adaptor plate bolts have wire ties instead of
> lockwashers?? I'm getting ready to use lockwashers instead of ties.
>
> I've noticed many little areas of LBC's that use little bend tabs
> instead of lockwashers. Why I don't know. If someone can give me a
> really good answer....I'm all ears! Bob Mc 8-/
Bob-
Don't use the lockwashers...in fact, don't use the bolts.
The bolts that hold the od plate on have smaller than normal heads for
clearance, and I think they may be made of old rubber bands <g>. The stock
torque on those bolts is something like 15 foot pounds, which sounds all
well and good until you realize that those bolts start to stretch absurd
amounts at about 16 foot pounds. Try threading one of them into some other
part (don't want to muck about with the nice aluminum case now do we...),
and torque the bolt tight. Continue tightening and note that the suckers
will continue turning (stretching) almost forever and not exceed 20 foot
pounds of force. The factory had to use the safety wire to keep the bolts
from falling out because they stretched when installed. Ever notice all the
transmission leaks between the plate and the box proper ? How many units
have you seen where the od unit was so loose that it could be rotated by
hand from the rest of the gearbox ? Yep, lots of them. The best idea is to
use socket head bolts here (they're much stronger) and drill the heads for
the safety wire deal, it really is a much better way of retaining those
bolts (it really will mess up your day if one of those bolts gains its
freedom in there). Just be sure you twist the wire so that it is pulling
the bolt head tighter as oppossed to allowing slop for the bolt to loosen.
There is a definite trick to the way to install the wire and if in doubt
have someone show you or get Mr Smith's fine series of book on fasteners
etc.
As far as the other lock tabs on these motors...<Personal Opinion Mode
ON>...throw the suckers away. There's no reason I can think of to use an 80
ton cold rolled heat treated rod bolt, and then stick a soft tin lock tab
with a Rockwell hardness of about 1 under it. <POM OFF>
Jeez, I love opinions...just like you-know-what's...everybodies got one...
Nick in Nor Cal
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