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Hi,

I have a question about the rear spring seat assemblies that the aft end of the rear spring attaches to and then clamps around the differential axle housing.

Both the rear spring seat assemblies and the surface of the axle housing are pretty well worn to the point that there are grooves in the axle housing and when I put the rear spring seat assemblies (AA-5792 or AA-5793) around the axle housing, there is a lot of play; at least a 1/16" of motion in any direction.

Is this acceptable?
Is there a fix for this?
It is not clear to me why there was not a bushing at this location.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks,
Dave

Shows a lack of grease. Keep is greased and you won'r have any problems.

Keep in mind all the weight of the rear of the truck will wear the top clamp and top of the axle. I found a couple better fitting ones but still needed to build a couple areas up with weld and filed down to fit tighter. if there is still excessive play you can file the flats of the clamps down a bit to clamp tighter, but unless you are in the habit of "Getting Air" in your double A, I don't think you'll notice anything once she's down on the axle and wheels.

The grooves are part of the design. I believe that they are there to help with the retention/distribution of grease.

dlevy wrote: ↑

February 4th, 2020, 8:53 pm

Hi, Both the rear spring seat assemblies and the surface of the axle housing are pretty well worn to the point that there are grooves in the axle housing and when I put the rear spring seat assemblies (AA-5792 or AA-5793) around the axle housing, there is a lot of play; at least a 1/16" of motion in any direction.

Is this acceptable?
Is there a fix for this?
Dave

FYI - The two parts fit like rods fit to the crankshaft. I have reduced/eliminated the up/down movement of the seat assembly by resurfacing the mating surfaces. I cleaned the axle surface and seats and then tested the up/down movement several times while resurfacing. The seat must rotate forward/backward when bolted together solid. So, too much surface removal would require shims.

You can learn a lot lurking here on others threads. I haven’t gotten to rear axle yet, but will likely find similar scenario. Have a broken rear spring to deal with also.

Farrell In Vancouver wrote: ↑

February 5th, 2020, 8:38 am

Keep in mind all the weight of the rear of the truck will wear the top clamp and top of the axle. I found a couple better fitting ones but still needed to build a couple areas up with weld and filed down to fit tighter. if there is still excessive play you can file the flats of the clamps down a bit to clamp tighter, but unless you are in the habit of "Getting Air" in your double A, I don't think you'll notice anything once she's down on the axle and wheels.

How's this for "getting air"?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JB9RC9KIoHo

I don't plan on getting too much air, but I think I will mill down the flats to get a better fit.

It shouldn't be too hard.

Is there a specification for clearance once bolted together tight?

Thanks,
Dave

I think that was one of Dodge's first attempts at building a dirt plow for road building.
LOL