I was under the van doing some maintanence and noticed the support for the pin in the driver side Rocker that connects to the springs on the tandem set up had a large hole gouged out by the pin.
I obtained a new pin and made up a 1/4" plate and welded it over the gouged out hole which was on the inside. Then welded
the pin on the outside. I had noticed the original pin weld had failed allowing the pin to move with the Rocker. I beleive the problem is solved now it cost less than $20 in parts to fix and 2hrs of my labour. Has anyone else had a similar experience. ?
That is quite a common problem with Rocker Arms especially if Not Welded properly and/or Regularly Greased/Inspected for Movement of the Pin, Some are Not even Welded. It also pays to Weld the Front and Rear Fixed Hanger Pins as these can come loose and the Knurled section around the Pin where it Push Fits into the Hanger can saw it's way through the Hanger enlarging the Hanger hole similar to what happens to the rocker Pin. I do extra by actually welding all Swinging Shackle Pins into the Shackle Plates which makes them more rigid like most Motor Vehicle Spring Leaf Suspension designs.
I have also replaced pins with greasable and use the Harder grade Black Polyurethane bushes lubed with Mloybond grease . After 8 yrs when upgrading to dual 2 tonne axles/bearings/wheels/tyres the bushes were still in great condition, I didn't need to replace and that's full-time travelling for 4 yrs total.
Cheers Kev.
