I am re-visiting this project after 10 years off and can't find the 8 axle bolts that hold each axle in place. The axle holes have a slight counter sunk hole. I can't find these available. My question is, would it cause problems if I use some high grade off the shelf bolts with square corners under the head? The only problem I can imagine is there might be a rotational slippage. The holes measure .525 and the top of the counter sink is .660. That .025+ difference between the hole and a 1/2" bolt bothers me. Anybody have some they want to sell? Any ideas?
Don't remember the size off hand. If you went to a hardware store and bought 1/2, 9/16, and 5/8 bolts. And figured out the correct one. Then measure the hole depth. Now you can go to https://www.mcmaster.com/ and get the right bolts.
Pretty sure they’re 1/2-13 threadfor the original Eaton axle. My 51 had normal bolts and lock washers, likely original. I suspect that can be confirmed with the parts manual if you want to look. http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/1929_57chevyparts/index.htm
Newer 14 bolt rear (has a lot of similarities) uses a flanged head bolt with serrations under the flange to resist coming loose. Those could be sourced and used on the older Eaton if you wanted.
Some (other brand/model) axles use studs and cone wedges with nuts and washers. Kind of looks like that’s what you have. What’s the axle from?
Hi Greg. Yes they are 1/2-13. I had to chase the holes a day ago. definitely 1/2-13. I got some bolts that will work from Paul (triplep) off a 60 3/4 ton. I'm just concerned about the clearance allowing the axle to rotate a little bit. The bolts are .495 and the hole is .530 if I remember right. The cone would center each bolt like wheel bolts do. I don't know how I ended up with two threads but, I'll attach the same photo's I did on the other thread.
When installing the other axle, I found these cones in 2 of the holes. Did these axles come with cones in all the holes? Did the hubs have Studs ? I might be looking for the wrong parts.
If it fits those cones then you need them, and usually cones go with with studs and not bolts.
You haven't answered what the axle is from, but I haven't noticed an original 48-53 Eaton with cones in the axle flanges. perhaps they did in later years, I don't know.
In any case, it doesn't really matter what the axle is from or why it has those cones when they are not expected... you either use them as intended or swap axle shafts for the plain ones with straight holes and bolts, but that's unnecessary if what you have works.
