Hi Folks. I'm new to the forum. Been out of rodding activity for several years but am back in again with a 23 bucket. Today I decided to replace the chrome transverse front spring retainer plate with a 3/8" cold rolled plate measuring 3 5/8" square. I relocated the chrome plate (3/8" thick and 3 5/8" square also) to the perch top as it's shiny and goes with the other chrome nicely. However, when torquing down the four retaining bolts I noted that the new 3/8" plate under the spring began to bend. That worries me. Is the retainer plate supposed to be hardened steel? Is the chrome retainer plate perhaps hardened? Should I just put the chrome plate back under the spring? What's the proper bolt torque? Should i go to u-bolts instead if available? Sorry for the questions, but I haven't worked with transverse springs before.
Front transverse spring plate
- Thread starter ap820
- Start date
I used the existing chrome plate as a template for the new plate. The chrome plate of course matches the holes in the perch, and the chrome plate was not bend when I removed it. The holes in the chrome plate are about 3/16" from the spring edges. Is it possible I used too much torque on the bolts?
Ted Brown
Member
ANYTHING is possible... I just don't know how you would put that much torque on those bolts by hand wrenching...? did you have the center bolt lined up and in the hole?? that would cause it to bend... :rofl:
ANYTHING is possible... I just don't know how you would put that much torque on those bolts by hand wrenching...? did you have the center bolt lined up and in the hole?? that would cause it to bend...
All items were aligned with the new plate. Checked with Wintek and their plates are from mild steel also. Checked the torque when I removed the bent plate - 65 lbs. Checked the max recommended torque rating for 3/8", Grade 8 bolts - 44 lbs. Replaced chrome plate to the bottom of spring and torqued to 43 lbs. Made a stainless steel perch cover which will get polished. Test drove and the front end didn't fall off - a positive. Actually, feels the same as before which is good. Thanks for your help.
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