Topic: DOWNSIDE TO DRILLING NEW CENTER BOLT HOLE?

[eightyfive]

is there any downsides to relocating a new center bolt hole for a spring? im going rears up front and need to know if i can drill a new hole 2.25" from the original hole to center the spring...

?

[lowgeared]

Good question....

[TrikeKid]

It weakens the spring at that point, so it will bend or break.

[Rocksurfer]

You could relocate the center pin hole on the axle, I did this on my samurai to get a little more room and wb.

[Willy Mammoth]

You could relocate the center pin hole on the axle, I did this on my samurai to get a little more room and wb.

That is the only way. You can't drill another hole in the springs cause it will cause it to be weak like was said above.

The other option would be to move the spring mounting on the frame.

[kneedownnate]

You could also buy a set of axle relocating plates from sky manufacturing.  They move the axle either 3/4" or 1" forward.

[yotaboy79]

even if it was a good idea you would probably go through 2 drill bits per leaf and i dont mean the hole leaf pack just one leaf i drilled a set larger for a larger spring center bolt and gave up after 3 leafs becouse i ran out of drill bits and i was just inlarging the hole from 3/8-7/16

[eightyfive [OP]]

man, i was drilling today with a drill press.....it is hard metal. what kind of bits are the hardest?

[IronClad]

turn your speed down LOW as hell  use LOTTTSSS of cutting lube or thick thick motor oil and use a  good hard bit ( read the freaking package). 

springs are made out of spring steel duh..  its a hardend steel with memory.. thats why its so hard to drill/cut.

[eightyfive [OP]]

buying carbite bits tomorrow...

[Duffil]

shoulda just drilled the perches...

[eightyfive [OP]]

im MAKING SPRING PACKS. i should of stated HOW im making the pack.

1st - tuff country main
2nd - stock rear mil wrap
3rd - stock rear 3rd
4th - stock rear 4th
5th - longer half of stock rear main cut in half
6th - shorter half of stock rear main cut in half.

2nd and 3rd springs need new holes to work without cutting them shorter....i want the mil wrap thing even tho the spring sticks out about 1.5 inches in the back...

[Willy Mammoth]

Cobalt is the only way to go.

They like to be turned slow with lots of pressure and oil.

Start off small and work your way up in 1/8" increments.

[eightyfive [OP]]

i could only drill through 2 springs...

i will try the cobalt bits tomorrow. do you use a drill press or hand drill?

[Willy Mammoth]

Drill press would be better for the bit. It will be easier to keep a steady presure. Keep the bit cool with oil and turn it slooow.

[eightyfive [OP]]

thanks willy mammoth,

im getting really frustrated...