Gossamer- '87 FJ60 aka "The Red Monster" (3 Viewers)

[spressomon]

Bearings generally are suited faster rotation speeds (bearing design within the sub-category relative to application)...whereas bushings excel at higher loads at lower rotation speeds. But surely more than the difference between what type of bearing is best for the 90* rotation of swing on our bumper arms is the design of the spindle assembly itself (stress riser reliefs). Stress risers typically don't show up after a few Death Valley washboard trips (although I am witness to a custom shock mount that did...)...but rather the accumulation of 10's or 100's of thousands of miles...relative to our usage.

Sorry for the sidebar hijack J! Hmmm...the new forum software might just benefit from a "sidebar" window thus containing relative info to the parent thread but not separated via a thread of its own.

 

[boots4]

I do believe that the bushing can be stronger but I'm not fond of it not needing lubrication. In fact another gentleman at a local club event has a dual swing out with bushing spindles (IPOR I think) that were hard to rotate. I tried it and it was difficult and this was after he had soaked it with lube as they had almost frozen up on him. It seems like a little zerk fitting to allow some minor greasing or some method of oiling would help keep it smooth.

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

The bushing type spindles are typically stronger and require significantly less (read no) maintenance. The bearing type spindles are not as heavy duty, by virtue of the supporting spindle being narrower than that of a bushing setup, and they require periodic lubrication to prevent bearing seizure, whereas bronze bushings do not.

I have heard of, and seen, bearing spindles snap off of bumpers while offroading. I have never heard of a bushing spindle snapping off.

Johnny, I have seen too many bearing styles fail in the past 5-6 years...

Bearings generally are suited faster rotation speeds (bearing design within the sub-category relative to application)...whereas bushings excel at higher loads at lower rotation speeds. But surely more than the difference between what type of bearing is best for the 90* rotation of swing on our bumper arms is the design of the spindle assembly itself (stress riser reliefs). Stress risers typically don't show up after a few Death Valley washboard trips (although I am witness to a custom shock mount that did...)...but rather the accumulation of 10's or 100's of thousands of miles...relative to our usage.

Sorry for the sidebar hijack J! Hmmm...the new forum software might just benefit from a "sidebar" window thus containing relative info to the parent thread but not separated via a thread of its own.

Agreed Dan.. I love the "sidebar" idea too BTW..

I do believe that the bushing can be stronger but I'm not fond of it not needing lubrication. In fact another gentleman at a local club event has a dual swing out with bushing spindles (IPOR I think) that were hard to rotate. I tried it and it was difficult and this was after he had soaked it with lube as they had almost frozen up on him. It seems like a little zerk fitting to allow some minor greasing or some method of oiling would help keep it smooth.

Mike, I would like to see a pic of his hinge. If the bushing were steel bushing on a steel spindle I could see it "tightening"/"seizing".. However, if it is indeed an oil impregnated bronze bushing, I think he has some squareness/bending issues in the assembly.

All in all I stand firm on my conviction to use, build and support the bushing hinge exclusively.. I've built and installed several, mine have all operated smoothly and with minimal effort to open/close.. one finger with a 35/37.. ladder and 3 full jerry cans. I am slammed and don't have alot of time to dig much deeper into this subject.. SO: I will simply quote Dave aka lcwizard... and IMO .. ENOUGH SAID.

"We've been using the shaft and bushing design since 1995 and built over 1500 carriers with them. So far only one pin has broken. That belonged to a Hotshot fighting a forest fire in Idaho. He was driving down a road in the fire area, the smoke was so thick he stopped. The water truck behind him didn't. The firetruck hit dead center in the middle of his spare. It snapped the pin at the carrier. He sent me the arm, I replaced the pin and everything went back together fine. His spare didn't survive. They do need periodic maintenance. Depending on your dust and humidity, every 3~5 years I pull the arm off and wash everything out with WD40. It degreases and lubes."

Good feedback from all, thank you!

J

 

[Oaks]

Guys thank you for the comments. J, I hope ya don't mind the conversation considering how busy you are. But I thought it would be good for those that are looking at your spindles. No doubt about it, LCwizard know his stuff. Cant wait till your bumper and spindles will be on my cruiser.

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Guys thank you for the comments. J, I hope ya don't mind the conversation considering how busy you are. But I thought it would be good for those that are looking at your spindles. No doubt about it, LCwizard know his stuff. Cant wait till your bumper will be on my cruiser.

J, I'm always game for good conversation and opinions. Busy or not, I try not to let my threads go unanswered for very long on my side. Dave is a very talented and informed fabricator that I have much respect for.

We will get you squared away soon on armor.

J

 

[dbleon]

What do you guys think of the military style Hummer swingout? http://www.armyproperty.com/Equipment-Info/Pictures/MASTC5.jpg

Saw one today in person... looked like a really nice design. I like the whole bumper too, low profile.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

What do you guys think of the military style Hummer swingout? http://www.armyproperty.com/Equipment-Info/Pictures/MASTC5.jpg

Saw one today in person... looked like a really nice design. I like the whole bumper too, low profile.

I like that swingout too! Do you know if we can get the swingouts / bumpers from government liquidation sites?

 

[dbleon]

I checked ebay and google... it appears they are EXPENSIVE!! Unsure about the .gov liquidation stuff..

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

I checked ebay and google... it appears they are EXPENSIVE!! Unsure about the .gov liquidation stuff..

D, Whats the $$ COST??? If I could see one of these in a better pic... I wouldn't mind fabbing up a few if I could do it for a reasonable price to others...

J

 

[dbleon]

Id give $100 spot for one..

the whole swingarm/unit is on ebay for like $700 but I think thats just cause its a Hummer speciality part and for no other reason. The hinge looks to be a piece of channel with a sleeve welded on both ends and the shaft sits inside. Kinda reverse of what we do with our swinouts...

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Id give $100 spot for one..

the whole swingarm/unit is on ebay for like $700 but I think thats just cause its a Hummer speciality part and for no other reason. The hinge looks to be a piece of channel with a sleeve welded on both ends and the shaft sits inside. Kinda reverse of what we do with our swinouts...

Parts are too pricey to be in a range where someone would buy and plus it is a patented item. Pass on this one.

J

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Only had a half day today at work so I got to pull the front bumper off of Goss. Experimented with some foam board to make my profiles come to life,so to speak.

Have a bit more R&D, but they will be along shortly.

J

 

[mcguirejohnson]

Looks like you are keeping yourself busy J! Can't wait to see what you come up with next.

Mj

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Looks like you are keeping yourself busy J! Can't wait to see what you come up with next.

Mj

First thing is to use this bumper for a boat anchor... I think it would hold the USS ALABAMA... It probably weighs in around 150-175#.. Hence the new build coming soon with the new Trail-Tailor front bumper.

J

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Goss finally got to see some shop square footage today.. I have one bed, 5 printer/scanners, and 6 totes left to get out of the shop... Changed out the filters in my overhead unit today as well.

I can't wait til the shop is 100% MINE MINE MINE AGAIN!.. Hopefully by tomorrow....

J

 

[FJ60Cam]

Your truck looks tall for a SUA. What lift us that? Are those 33's or 35's?

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

Your truck looks tall for a SUA. What lift us that? Are those 33's or 35's?

Cam, the PO extended to spring perches on this rig... 35s are on it right now.. the stack of tires in the above pic are the new 37s soon to go on.

Crazy that Goss will be SUA with 37s ( mounted I should still have about 7-8", possibly more, of well wheel clearance) . It is going to be a great expedition rig, but due to the perches... rock crawling will be very limiting. However, I will test his SUA limitations. If I don't like it.. lifted SOA will be next on the list. I mainly run open BLM high elevation flatland here in WY anyway.

J

 

[FJ60Cam]

Ahh, I see that now. I "rock crawl" spring under myself. I get more three wheel motion than Ice Cube!

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

HA! now that's a HYBRID!!!

Better to wheel with 3 than to wheel with 2 and have some rash to show off.. OUCH!

Wish I could have made it out with you and Dan, Andy, Pasc.... WORK SUCKS!

J

 

[FJ60Cam]

Next time!