Kenworth 850 Off Highway

[kerst]

It is getting really interesting now!

Kerst

[RCP57]

One more small update. I struggled a bit to get the axles drilled out true but it's all done now. I installed bronze oilite bushings but I may put bearings on the outside end if it looks like it needs it.






Thanks for lookin!

[kerst]

Those axles look great!

Kerst

[Espeefan]

Reg, if the axles pushed you out of your comfort zone, I can't tell. I know they aren't quite done yet, but it looks like you knew exactly what you were doing the whole time. I'll bet you had every step planned out in your head, before you even began. I might have missed it, but are those the Savage differentials?

[RCP57]

Originally Posted by Espeefan

Reg, if the axles pushed you out of your comfort zone, I can't tell. I know they aren't quite done yet, but it looks like you knew exactly what you were doing the whole time. I'll bet you had every step planned out in your head, before you even began. I might have missed it, but are those the Savage differentials?

Good eye Nate!

[Lil Giants]

Bead blast really changed their appearance.

Now how did you rifle out the axle bores? You use the mill or lathe? Take any set up pics of that?

[RCP57]

Originally Posted by Lil Giants

Bead blast really changed their appearance.

Now how did you rifle out the axle bores? You use the mill or lathe? Take any set up pics of that?

I used a lathe and a 4 jaw chuck but sorry no pics. It was my first time using a 4 jaw chuck but it went fairly well. The first drill bit I used wandered off a bit causing me to say some bad words and grow a few more grey hair. I was lucky enough to have drilled them out undersize to begin with though so with some creativity I managed to fix the crooked bore. Now comes the part that has me worried...making the pinion carrier.

[Lil Giants]

I wondered about that... once a hole is drill, how do you change its projectory over the length? ...small bits have so much flex to them.

[RCP57]

I drilled in from each side toward the center so luckily I only had the issue with the one axle tube. I installed bushings that are 3/8 OD so by drilling in very slowly with a 9.5mm bit I was able to get the larger bit to cut straight(almost) and in the end be able to press fit the bushings. Its a few thou out but you can shove a single axle all the way through both sides. It just doesn't turn as nicely as the other axle but I think it will be fine. When you put an axle into the diff gears from each side it spins freely. It definately made me sweat for a while though. I have way too many hours into these housings to wreck one now.

[Madda]

I think you have CNC mill there that you aren't showing us, you say it's all manual but... lol


Keep the updates coming!

[RCP57]

Originally Posted by Madda

I think you have CNC mill there that you aren't showing us, you say it's all manual but... lol


Keep the updates coming!

Haha, Thanks Madda!

[D8R]

Increadable, could never imaging doing an axle from a piece of stock material!
With your skills in welding I was supposed to see axle welded together from different pieces. And that you could get the bore it straight, thumbs up.
Like that "cheese plate, do you have a pic without anything on it, guess have to do one of these, looks realy handy.
Dan

[Espeefan]

Originally Posted by RCP57

I drilled in from each side toward the center so luckily I only had the issue with the one axle tube. I installed bushings that are 3/8 OD so by drilling in very slowly with a 9.5mm bit I was able to get the larger bit to cut straight(almost) and in the end be able to press fit the bushings. Its a few thou out but you can shove a single axle all the way through both sides. It just doesn't turn as nicely as the other axle but I think it will be fine. When you put an axle into the diff gears from each side it spins freely. It definately made me sweat for a while though. I have way too many hours into these housings to wreck one now.

That's the one thing about machining the more complex parts. The ones that have so many steps, and take so long to make. The pressure to not mess it up, raises exponentially, every time you reclamp for the next stage of machining.

[ihbuilder]

Originally Posted by Espeefan

That's the one thing about machining the more complex parts. The ones that have so many steps, and take so long to make. The pressure to not mess it up, raises exponentially, every time you reclamp for the next stage of machining.

I think the worse part is when you spend hrs manually on the lathe for the 1st op only to mess it up in seconds in the cnc mill by forgetting a decimal point on z depth

looks good Reg . I see you can do abrasive machining too

[RCP57]

Haha, Abrasive machining is what I'm best at!

[RCP57]

A few minor updates.... I changed to bearings on the outside when I made the fake brake drums-backing plates. I have started making the rear leaves too but I haven't made much more progress.

Dan, Here is a picture of the plate that my father-inlaw made for me. It has an MT2 taper on the back to center it and is held down with 3 T nuts-allen bolts. I asked him last night if could make me a larger one sometime so hopefully he will. It would be nice to have a little more surface area.

Reg

[tracksntreadslou]

Wow Reg ..looking good..you and this guy have a little in common
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOkmKkvC-PE

[RCP57]

I would say very little. That guy has built a masterpiece...my own, not so much. Did you see the other stuff that guy has built? WOW!

[modelman]

RCP57-this is some very nice work you are doing here. I have been watching this from the beginning and I enjoy these kind of builds--I am impressed!!!!

[Espeefan]

I wish I had a father-in-law that knew how to machine stuff like that swiss cheese plate, Reg!

The drums on the axles really add a lot. Looking good.