Welding up greasable shackle pins?

[woytovich]

Would it compromise the strength of a greasable shackle pin (new) if I were to (gently) weld closed the holes for the zerk and in the pin?

If I cannot find suitable plugs that I can use to replace the zerks when I am wheeling (I keep knocking them off on the rocks) I would like to find another way to keep water and dirt out of the pins permanently. I guess I could inject JB Weld or similar to fill the grease passage ways...?

Thoughts?

mark

 

[NeverGiveUpYota]

Beeswax could work temporarily. If you plug them up permanently seems jb would definetly work.

 

[Randy88FJ62]

As long as you keep the welding to a minimum (ie heat down) you won't compromise the strength of the shackles/pins.

You can also JB weld if you are concerned about the material properties being altered by heat.

IF you weld make sure to have a fan or mask on so you don't inhale the coating on the metal.

Third Option: Install bolts to plug holes. Drill and tap if needed.

 

[Spike Strip]

Possibly grind down a donor zerk and JB weld that to use as a plug while bouncing off rocks?

 

[tmxmotorsports]

There are metal plugs that can cap off thr holes some ball joints come with them basically you would greese the ball joint then put the plug in for clearance purposes.

 

[Output Shaft]

Maybe find something along these lines. Don't think this is the correct size (but maybe?)

If you can find the right sized zerk plug, you can grease em up then plug em.

1/4-28 UNF Plug (SLOTTED) for Zerk Nipple Fitting 10 Pcs | eBay

 

[woytovich]

When I first got the shackles I looked for plugs that would fit, and for replacement zerks... all to no avail. It SEEMS that zerks have all sorts of odd thread size/pitch and some are tapered. It SEEMS that they are sometimes intended to be a sort of crush-fit - meaning they are not intended to be taken in and out.

i even asked the supplier if they could get me replacements... and no, they only sell complete (Tri) shackle kits, no replacement pins, no zerks. Am I the only one that has damaged a zerk so it needed replacement?

I WIL however try to find plugs/zerks before I go the JBweld or weld route.

 

[woytovich]

You can see some of the size options here:

Roughneck Zerk Grease Fittings Kit — 100-Pieces | Hoses, Valves Fittings| Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[spotcruiser]

I knock zerks off on rocks occasionally also. I drill and tap them for 1/4-28 taper plugs/zerks.

 

[cruisermatt]

I would Mig weld them without a second thought. Obviously off the truck away from the bushings.

 

[Randy88FJ62]

McMaster sells Ø1/8 NPT Plugs in 302 SS. McMaster-Carr

Or they sell flush zerk fittings which may or may not get smashed off:
McMaster-Carr

 

[NeverGiveUpYota]

Maybe find something along these lines. Don't think this is the correct size (but maybe?)

If you can find the right sized zerk plug, you can grease em up then plug em.

1/4-28 UNF Plug (SLOTTED) for Zerk Nipple Fitting 10 Pcs | eBay

View attachment 1430012

I was thinking something like that too. Similar to what you'd use to plug the galley hole but removeable.

 

[tmxmotorsports]

Take the zerk fitting to ace hardware , home depot or lowes see if they have something.

 

[TallCanDan]

Take a different line...

 

[woytovich]

You haven't wheeled out here in the Northeast have you...

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Possibly grind down a donor zerk and JB weld that to use as a plug while bouncing off rocks?

Ya-or grind one down and dab it with the welder and presto, you have a plug.

But I'd just keep a supply of zerks and replace when they get knocked off. It's super useful to be able to grease your shackles.

 

[woytovich]

IF I CAN FIND REPLACEMENT ZERKS THAT FIT!!!!!!

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Considering that ACE hardware has a full selection of SAE and Metric Zerks, I'd say you're good. ACE has straight ones, 45 degree ones, 90 degree ones, gold ones, silver ones almost any Zerk that has ever existed is in the bins in the back of the store.

And if that fails, McMaster-Carr has every zerk that has ever existed in unlimited quantities.

Don't overthink this.

 

[spotcruiser]

Yep, I think I got my zerks from Ace Hardware. The plugs I bought on-line to match the zerk threads. The zerks I've replaced were pressed-in. You need to drill and tap the existing holes to suit the zerks/plugs you buy.

 

[brian]

almost all aftermarket shackles just use bolts, standard, off the shelf bolts...in a 60series they would be something in 5/8 or 3/4" flavor give or take.
id just replace them before messing around welding a hole shut in a bolt that already has a holed drilled down the center of it.