Torque Rod End failure

[vtbassmaster]

Hi Guys,

I think that I've read every thread on replacing torque rod ends and understand what tools I need and how to do it, but my question is do I NEED to do it. I have a M929A2 that I use 99% of the time on my property for some serious landscaping (think moving loads of boulders and fill over rough terrain. For would it really make much difference if I was able to just get the dog bone back on the rubber bushing and weld or drill and tap on a retaining plate?

Thanks,

Lou

 

[doghead]

Nope, retain and fix as needed.

 

[vtbassmaster]

Nope, retain and fix as needed.

Thanks Doghead. Any tips on how to get that dogbone back on the bushing? Looks like I have to remove one of the four large bolts holding the bushing mounting in place in order for the dogbone to clear. There was enough force originally for it to push past it, but doesn't want to go back. Straps got me out of the woods and back to the garage.

 

[simp5782]

Thanks Doghead. Any tips on how to get that dogbone back on the bushing? Looks like I have to remove one of the four large bolts holding the bushing mounting in place in order for the dogbone to clear. There was enough force originally for it to push past it, but doesn't want to go back. Straps got me out of the woods and back to the garage.

Come along or chain hoist to a stationary object to pull the axle back into position

If you replace the torque rod inserts with standard rubber ones they will last a long time and failure again is unlikely on a truck that is used often. The rubber stays in good shape with the constant flex. When the trucks sit and get used is the issue for failures

 

[doghead]

Ratchet straps, and bottle jacks are your friend...

 

[vtbassmaster]

Come along or chain hoist to a stationary object to pull the axle back into position

If you replace the torque rod inserts with standard rubber ones they will last a long time and failure again is unlikely on a truck that is used often. The rubber stays in good shape with the constant flex. When the trucks sit and get used is the issue for failures

Ratchet straps, and bottle jacks are your friend...

and also the 55 ton excavator. Just need to find bigger cables to pull the truck out when I bury it. Can't believe that it doesn't have lockers. I never thought to check that when I bought it. Definitely didn't expect to get stuck in an open field. Anyone purchase torque rod ends from Wolfer-parts since the bad ones that he seemed to make good on?

 

[vtbassmaster]

and also the 55 ton excavator. Just need to find bigger cables to pull the truck out when I bury it. Can't believe that it doesn't have lockers. I never thought to check that when I bought it. Definitely didn't expect to get stuck in an open field. Anyone purchase torque rod ends from Wolfer-parts since the bad ones that he seemed to make good on?

Well, you know that feeling when you finish a job and are excited to try it out? It was great for 6 loads, then there was a sound from the rear end and the truck stopped backing up. Another torque rod end fell apart and the axle rotated a little. Hopefully just the torque rod end (which I had bought all 12 of and just figured I'd do them one at a time as I had time). Guess I'll be just doing all 12 as the offroad hauling is just too much for those old ones. Working on building a special wrench for taking the uppers off. Thanks to the guys that posted pictures of them!