Can't get swivell ball tension right....opinions please.

[JimC]

I think an alignment is a good thing to verify.

And thix - I assumed when you said new railco, you meant the wafer at the bottom was new, but yeah, you gotta have it there. Its also amazing how much it can wear. I thought I had my wafer in there, but it turned out to be almost a paper-thin little scrap. I was surprised by how thick the new wafer was in comparison. With the new wafer installed, the pre-load was perfect the first time out, with I think a .750 and a .250 wafer. I'm doing defender balls, so I don't know what thicknesses your series shims are.

[jac04]

... after I complete my swivel ball rebuild should I get a front end alignment?

I would check & adjust toe as required, but that's all you can adjust.

[thixon]

Confirmed...I was waferless.

That's what I get for starting a project, and letting it sit for two weeks!

After the wafer was installed, I had the opposite problem...too much tension! The green bible recommended starting at .040, which set me at around 30lbs. At .085 or so I'm now at around 14lbs.

[brucejohn]

That is the problem I have: 0.065 and just over 20#. Is it just me or does 0.085 feel like a lot of shim?

[daveb]

its just you. I've seen em with alot more than that.

That is the problem I have: 0.065 and just over 20#. Is it just me or does 0.085 feel like a lot of shim?

[brucejohn]

Thanks, more shims then?