[New BMT Blog Entry] Paul's Tales - Front Axle Progress

[WattsMack]

The new kingpins are finally installed and

the bushings reamed to size on the B-67.

It's the 1st time I've ever actually seen it done.

And, I think we got a really good result.

A long-time friend of mine has a tremendous

amount of experience with heavy front axles,

and he sure did make it look easy.

I replaced all four of the bearings and races (cones),

after finding that three of the four had problems.

The backing plates and brake shoes are all painted and

ready to be remounted, and I have most of the parts new.

The tie rod ends are apart, and I have gotten the pressure

springs from Mack. They were both broken.

The socket pieces look perfect.

Got two new return springs for the original, small front brake cans.

They look better to me than the new style larger cans.

I'm using the original dash mounted front brake limiter switch.

It's good to be making progress.

On another note - the building business is showing a tiny bit

of optimism. Not too much, mind you, but a little at least.

We now have six to eight weeks of work in front of us.

Nothing of substance, but enough to get us to Spring.

I should be able to put together a couple of deals between now

and then to keep the wolves from the door.

So, we're feeling better.

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