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TR2/3/3A TR3 Suspension Questions[long]

karls59tr

Obi Wan
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1)I've got the replacement trunnions(nyloc nut type). The old grease zerks dont want to thread into the new trunnions easily? Did they use a different thread type? 2)For the upper A arm bushes.There is a grease packet with the polyurethane bushes.Does the inner hole get grease as well as the outer part of the bush that goes in the A arm? 3)In the Moss suspension pic they show part (109) 661-560..a shim that goes on the lower wishbone near the washer and thrust washer. I dont recall seeing this shim on diisassembly and it wasnt included in the TRF suspension kit. Is this shim necessary and what is its purpose? 4)I've bought Lubriplate 00 oil for the trunnions.(Dont want to open the grease/oil debate again but I'm sure I read that the trunnions should get oil).Can I just pour this into the trunnion and thread on the vertical link when its on the bench, then install the grease zerk and its good to go? Any advice welcome. Karl
 
2.) With Poly, it never hurts to grease. I greased both the inside of the arm and the shaft that it rides on.

3.) I don't recall having that shim in the kit I purchased a few months ago. I believe our TR3A suspension is from trunion outward: thrust washer, arm, thrust washer, large steel washer (on which the thrust washer rides), nut. Both thrust washers were covered with rubber seals.

4.) Trunions should get Oil? I must have missed that... I reloaded mine with red grease. Be carful rethreading it onto the main hub assembly as pressure will build inside (if the fitting is installed). Just make a few turns, then push in the little ball on the fitting, and continue.

Good luck,

Rob
 
The Lubriplate 00 is a good idea IMO. On mine I used Mobil 1 synthetic grease on the threads of the vertical link and filled the trunnion with 00 grease. After assembly I pumped a couple of shots of 00 through the zerk until tt popped out around the dust seal. Since you are using an oil/grease, it has been suggested to smear a thin film of JB Weld around the outside of the bottom of the trunnion when it meets the bronze to prevent leakage.

As fas as the shims, if you looks at the Moss catalog, it shows two possible parts setups. Use only the parts that match yours.

I had problems with the TRF balljoints. They are sourced in Taiwan and are metric so the old fittings can't be used. Really a sore spot for me. I don't know if their trunnions as also metric but SAE zerks come in two common sizes: either 1/8" pipe or 1/4"-28. Your problem in threading them is that the metal on the bottom of the trunnion is thin so getting them started can be difficult. Just be careful not to strip them. I bought new trunnions through lbcarco.com and when they came they were as original with drilled ends for cotter pins; I think actually NOS or a really good knock-off. My old zerks fit but I replaced they with new, don't remember which size they were.

HTH. PeterK

Rob brings up a good point. Leave the grease fitting out until you assemble on the car to prevent the pressure build up. Much easier.

On the poly bushings, I used Supergrease from Prothane, inside and out. Like sticky snot. I also used a mix of Supergrease and anti-sieze on the inner fulcrum both inside and out. Can't hurt and has worked very well so far.
 
karls59tr said:
1)I've got the replacement trunnions(nyloc nut type). The old grease zerks dont want to thread into the new trunnions easily? Did they use a different thread type?
They may use a different thread -- not sure -- but my trunions from TRF came with zerks installed
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]2)For the upper A arm bushes.There is a grease packet with the polyurethane bushes.Does the inner hole get grease as well as the outer part of the bush that goes in the A arm?[/QUOTE]
Yes. Grease 'em everywhere.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]3)In the Moss suspension pic they show part (109) 661-560..a shim that goes on the lower wishbone near the washer and thrust washer. I dont recall seeing this shim on diisassembly and it wasnt included in the TRF suspension kit. Is this shim necessary and what is its purpose?[/QUOTE]
I looked in the catalogue and they say, "109 661-560† $0.90 SHIM, for seal -- TR4 from CT7219" so it doesn't look as though it would be used in a TR3.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]4)I've bought Lubriplate 00 oil for the trunnions.(Dont want to open the grease/oil debate again but I'm sure I read that the trunnions should get oil).Can I just pour this into the trunnion and thread on the vertical link when its on the bench, then install the grease zerk and its good to go?[/QUOTE]
Sounds good to me... Though I think you'll want to put the zerk in before you pour in the oil, to keep it from dribbling all over your shoes.
 
Red grease alone is also OK as the new synthetics don't cake up like the grease of the 1950s. But the specs call for EP90 so Lubriplate 00 (used for stern drives on boats) and also EP (Extreme Pressure) rated is optimal.
 
Not all trunnions are created equal ... later style (4A onwards) takes oil, early ones take grease.

As noted, the shims were only used later.

The zerk threads are tapered and are supposed to bind (to seal). If the old zerks will go in a full turn by hand, then turn them some more with a wrench and go on. But if they won't go in at all, suggest you contact your vendor for either (free) zerks that fit or trunnions that are as original. Unless of course you bought from VB, then you can chalk it up to experience.

The inner hole is the important place to grease with the poly bushings, as that's where the motion occurs.
 
TR3driver said:
The inner hole is the important place to grease with the poly bushings, as that's where the motion occurs.

And the outer hole is important as that's where squeaks occur.
 
I do not think the tr3 zerk fittings are tapered pipe thread, so be careful. When I get home tonight, I will look and make sure.
 
I didn't say they were "pipe" threads, tho in fact most of them on a TR3 are 1/8" NPT. The ones that aren't 1/8" NPT are a special tapered thread designed to mate with a straight 1/4-28 tapped hole.
 
I managed to get the old grease zerks on to the newer trunnions by adding a little lube to the threads.I locked the zerk in a vice and slowly turned the trunnion on to it a bit at a time and then backing off and turning again slowly and carefully till it seated. Had to use a fair bit of force and for awhile I thought I was going to strip out the thread but it all worked out OK.
 
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