Rear lower shock shaft #3820929-30

[Ray C.]

I am coming down the home stretch with my 63 restoration project. I have most of the body weight now on the chassis and was in the process of torquing all suspension bolts. I am using a set of replacement shafts from Blair's and I am having a problem getting the shafts to seat completely. I have about 1/8" of knurled shaft and 1/8" of non-knurled shaft left to seat. I am exerting a great amount of force and the shafts are not seating. I am concerned of breaking one of the forks of the hub assembly. I have the same problem on the left and right shafts.

Has anyone had this problem with the aftermarket shafts and how have your solved this problem.

Thanks for any help!

Ray
#36314

[Joe L.]

Re: Rear lower shock shaft #3820929-30

Ray------

First of all, the "knurling" on the inner ends of the "reproduction" shafts is significantly more "agressive" than that used on the original shafts. I recommend reducing it by using a fine file and removing a very small amount of the "teeth" from the full circumference. Then, use a wire brush on a drill or bench grinder to "burnish" the "knurling".

Second, the shafts do not fit in such a way that the shoulder of the shaft butts against the bearing support fork----there should be a little clearance there when the shaft is properly installed.

[Ray C.]

Re: Rear lower shock shaft #3820929-30

Thanks Joe!

Would there be a specification or measurement of clearance between the shaft and the fork?

Thanks for all the help you have provided me on this restoration project!

Ray

[Joe L.]

Re: Rear lower shock shaft #3820929-30

Ray-----

I don't exactly recall the clearance. There's no spec for it. However, my vague recollection is that it's about 1/16", or so. On cars with often removed and re-installed shafts with the "knurling" worn down, the shaft will often seat right to the fork. So, if yours does end up like this after "t*******", I wouldn't worry about it.

[Ray C.]

Re: Rear lower shock shaft #3820929-30

Again, THANKS!

Ray

[Ray C.]

Re: Rear lower shock shaft #3820929-30

Hi! Joe

Thanks for the advise, removed the shock shaft, filed and re-installed. Everything worked fine.

Ray