Steering: nut, washer & bolts installation....

[jackb]

...memory gone and no clear depiction in the shop book: I'm installing a re-bushed center bellcrank shaft unit. There are two (2) 4-inch bolts and two (2) 2-inch bolts holding the assy. on the front X-member. There are 4 similar washers and lock washers & nuts. Where do the thick washers go ? Who's got a visible frame cross member they can look at....?

[sweetolbob]

Washers on top under the bolt heads, lock washers and nuts on the bottom if it's the same as my Avanti's, which I suspect it is.

Bob

[jackb]

I see a tight fit with the washers up above in the X-member's lip for the 2 shorter bolts ?

[sweetolbob]

I see a tight fit with the washers up above in the X-member's lip for the 2 shorter bolts ?

You don't want the bolt heads bearing on the frame without washers. My 74 had serious cracks started in the frame because the amateurs that assembled my Avanti left the washers off and the edges of the bolt heads initiated cracks where they were bearing on the frame. Washers are there for a reason and if the ones you have are too big go to the hardware and buy grade 8 washers, they are generally smaller in diameter than their cheaper counterparts. Studebaker put washers under the heads in my three cars. You could also grind a couple of flat spots on the washers edge but that shouldn't be necessary.

There is no way I will put a bolt in a Stude frame (or any other for that matter) without a washer under the bolt head for the above reasons. The ones on my Avanti nestle nicely in the U-shape in the frame cross member and yours should also.

JMHO, Bob

[jackb]

I do remember for sure that there were 2 of these thick washers above, under the long bolts which load onto the upper, 1-thickness frame section. The 2 short bolts go through the lip of the rear section area that is 2 thicknesses......still confused....these are original......??? As another question: do your upper A-frame to X-member bolts (that attach through the 2-thickness lip area of the X-member have the thick washers ???

[sweetolbob]

I do remember for sure that there were 2 of these thick washers above, under the long bolts which load onto the upper, 1-thickness frame section. The 2 short bolts go through the lip of the rear section area that is 2 thicknesses......still confused....these are original......??? As another question: do your upper A-frame to X-member bolts (that attach through the 2-thickness lip area of the X-member have the thick washers ???

Jack

I'm a touch confused, not unusual as I live that way. Here's a couple of shots of my 74 the only way I would bolt it together. Note: I tend to use Nylok's instead of lockwasher/nuts a lot.

Hope this helps, Bob

[jackb]

Bob...thanks for the pics....I see exactly what you've got.....my only guess is that I have the wrong washers and need to find the correct ones that fit ...thx

[Hawklover]

Bob, the Avanti parts book does not say what kind of bolts to use, only that two are 3/8-24 X 4" and two are 3/8-24 X 1 & 1/4. What kind of bolts should I purchase, what hardness, and please tell me where the long bolts go and where the small bolts go. many thanks for your assistance!

Jack

I'm a touch confused, not unusual as I live that way. Here's a couple of shots of my 74 the only way I would bolt it together. Note: I tend to use Nylok's instead of lockwasher/nuts a lot.

Hope this helps, [ATTACH=CONFIG]26685[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]26686[/ATTACH] Bob

[studebakerkid]

Federal Law requires that they be at a minimum grade 5 so get grade 8. I would also try for national fine thread and nylock nuts if you can get them as national fine thread has more holding strength but you might not be able to get nylocks in fine thread in your area. Also check the fit of the flat washers so that they fit proper. I get my fastners from a place called Fastners Inc and check every washer as some of the manufacturers punches are sloppy and I actually wind up going down a size on the washers to get a proper fit.