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| | | | Joined: Apr 2013 Posts: 43 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2013 Posts: 43 | I am in the process of installing an Okie bushing in the torque tube of my 53 Chevy half ton. I removed the original bushing which went fine but I have concerns about the Okie.I cleaned and lubed the pilot shaft and started driving the Okie in, it is very tight which was expected but now I really don't see it going all the way flush with tube. The last 1 1/2 inch or so of the Okie is a slightly larger diameter. Anyone else have this problem? Okie came from Jim Carter. Thanks. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | What part number from JC?
There are two sizes. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2013 Posts: 43 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Apr 2013 Posts: 43 | | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | ME128 is for 1951-1954 1/2 ton; so, unless they sent you the wrong/earlier bushing, or you have an earlier rear-end/torque-tube, that part should fit your 1953 1/2 ton.
It is a tight fit.
I freeze the bushing before installing it.
And, I check/clean/smooth the mating surface inside the end of the torque-tube (it looks like you have done this).
I have not used a JC bushing - mine came from Patrick's.
Maybe someone else can help? | | | | | Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,747 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2012 Posts: 1,747 | Same issue with an "okie" bushing for my truck. 52 1/2 ton. Turns out I have an early third member/torque tube. It will stick hard and swell the tube if you try to put it all the way in. It is very difficult(impossible) to remove if it sticks tight. That 1 and 1/2 inch will make the trunnion too long to push back into the transmission. If you do force it into place(I did) the rear output bearing in the transmission and the pinion bearing can fail. Not the best work I have ever done. If you continue to hit it into place...it will deform. That ain't good either. Measure the torque tube inside diameter(calipers are your friend) measure the outside diameter at the end of the bushing that will be close to the transmission. 0.003 press fit is all you need. More than that and you have the wrong part. How did an older torque tube get into a later truck? Come on. 60 years of farm repairs and that is self explanatory. Failure to notice the brake adjusters...well that is all on me.
Steve H
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2015 Posts: 51 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2015 Posts: 51 | I have a 1950 1/2 ton. When I started driving mine in it got about half way in and the just stopped. I called the company that made it and he said he never had a problem. BS. I had to drill a hole through it to knock it out. I had to take about .007 off of the knurled section before I could get it to go in. I filled the hole I drilled with Marine Tex . I'm still in the middle of the restoration so I haven't been able to drive it but I think I should be alright. It seems like half the restoration parts I get for this thing needs some customizing to make them work. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 1,146 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 1,146 | Read line number 5. HERE The variations in inside torque tubes diameters. Could make it loose or tight. Best bet is to Check your torque tube inside diameter. Bring Okie bushing to a machine shop and have some metal lathed off. I think Vintage Auto Parts, Inc. makes the Okie bushings for all the vendors. http://www.vapinc.com/Below is Vintage Auto Parts, Okie bushing page. Driveshaft Bushings and Seal Assemblies Okie bushing photo album | | |
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