Steering, Suspension, & Brakes

I just ordered a set of TSL style bearings to modify the kingpins. Sourced them from Lilly Bearings. They are made from hardened 440 stainless which wouldn't have been my first choice but should be acceptable. Part numbers as follows:

S440-R8 2rs: 8 each
S440-R12 2rs: 2 each
S440-R14 2rs: 2 each

Total, $100 though I wouldn't be surprised to get charged something for shipping. This will require some machine work of course, and I will have to turn some bearing cups somewhat similar to those used on the necks of motorcycle frames but the goal is to replace all the bushings including the rubber trunion cushions with tapered bearings.

I have already fitted oil-filled sintered iron bushings to the inner LCA pivots and didn't have any trouble with that but it did require me to drill out the link ends to 1-1/4" and fit grease zerks. Should have that back in service today sometime or tomorrow. The bushings came from McMasterCarr:

[www.mcmaster.com]

This bushing has a 3/16" flange. I had to make inner sleeves to fit.

Jim

Jim,

That's great news--please keep us posted on how it works out and how the process goes.

Ni noticeable difference in NVH from the urethane bushings but the suspension and steering is tighter and more precise. Still waiting on the bearings.

Jim

Well, the bearings came in. And... not as advertised. I now have $100 worth of very nice stainless sealed BALL bearings. I blame the search engine. You know what I mean. No idea what I'll do with those. But at a unit cost of about 8 bucks apiece they'll just go into bench stock. Actually all but the one that goes at the bottom of the kingpin would probably be just fine as ball bearings so I'll have to re-think that.

And back to the original question: Are TSL bearings bearings available in the required sizes? More searching required.

Jim

Ugh, I hate when that happens.

Speedway Motors sells Kingpin needle bearings for early Ford and Chevy kingpins for street rods. Maybe a person could adapt them?

[inthegaragemedia.com]

[www.jalopyjournal.com]



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 12/20/2022 07:22PM by mgb260.

I'll look into the possibility of using needle bearings. A suitable thrust bearing might be a challenge also. That is an alternative, as is using unsealed Timkens. The attraction of the TSL bearings was the integral seal.

Jim

Jim, they already sell a Torrington bearing for thrust bearing.

[www.jbbearings.com]

[ttypes.org]



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 12/21/2022 01:40PM by mgb260.

Looks like JB Bearings has a minimum quantity for those bearings, although it doesn't say what. If there are others interested, I'd definitely participate in a group buy.

Second thread has part # and DIY info. They are for sale on UK Ebay frequently.

[www.ebay.com]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/11/2023 10:36AM by mgb260.

Thanks Jim, I missed that. I'll check it out.

I just added the Ebay link above.

I just came across this thread, the MGOC has been offering a ball joint suspension for years but it rarely seems to be talked about. Some of the photos clearly show the modified uprights

[www.classicdrivingdevelopment.co.uk]

[www.classicdrivingdevelopment.co.uk]

[mgm.gtwiz.net]



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 01/14/2023 02:59AM by waterbucket.

Thanks for the links, Philip. I had never seen that.

Looks to be well designed. Priced at something around $1000 US maybe? That would be affordable.

Jim

Carl, Remember a while back on the link on the other board my suggestion to use the Jag/TR ball joint.?

Yes.

[www.mgexp.com]

This thread was also quite interesting.

[www.mgexp.com]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/14/2023 12:17PM by MGBV8.

Current exchange rate is $1684 US, plus shipping.