Modifying a Front Strut Rod for a Dump Truck: A Comprehensive Guide

💡Modifying a front strut rod can be an efficient and cost-effective solution when the original rod is damaged.

🔧The process involves shortening the rod while preserving the bolt pattern and other crucial features.

⏰Drilling the holes to the correct depth and tapping them is a time-consuming yet essential part of the modification.

🛠️Specialized tools like button tools, magnetic drills, and chamfering tools are used for accurate and efficient machining.

💲By completing the modification in-house, customers can save a significant amount of money compared to buying a new strut rod.

Why would you want to modify a front strut rod?

—Modifying a front strut rod allows you to reuse a damaged rod instead of buying a new one, saving time and money.

What tools are used for this modification?

—Tools used include button tools, magnetic drills, pneumatic chamfering tools, and specialized tapping tools.

How long does the modification process take?

—The process can take several hours, depending on the complexity of the rod and the tools available.

Can I complete this modification without professional experience?

—While professional experience is helpful, with proper guidance and access to the necessary tools, this modification can be completed by skilled DIY enthusiasts.

Is shortening the strut rod the only modification possible?

—Shortening the rod is one option, but other modifications may be possible depending on the specific requirements and constraints of the project.

00:50Introduction to the project and the need for modifying a front strut rod from a 784 cat truck to fit a 785 dump truck.

01:10Explanation of the different types of trucks and their specific purposes.

01:30The decision to modify the rod instead of sending it for chroming due to cost and time constraints.

02:04Description of the drilling process and the challenges faced due to the unavailability of a horizontal borer.

02:45Demonstration of drilling the holes using a mag drill and a fixture plate.

03:13Introduction of the hole maker Pro 50 magnetic drill and its use in the drilling process.

06:33Explanation of the tapping process and the challenges faced due to the length of the tap.

07:24Demonstration of tapping the holes using a 1-inch coarse spiral tap.

10:06Overview of the next steps, including machining the taper and setting up the lathe.

12:46Explanation and demonstration of machining the taper using carbide and CBN inserts.

18:23Setup for the final steps, including boring the ID and machining the groove for the retaining ring.

24:16Boring the ID and testing the fit of the plug and the retaining ring.

25:38Chamfering the inside edges and blending the edges using a flapper wheel.

26:23Demonstration of machining the taper to the correct size and finish.

33:48Chamfering the holes using a pneumatic chamfering tool for a professional finish.

34:00Introduction of a new tap for tapping the holes to depth and completing the modification.

36:13Summary of the time and cost savings achieved by completing the modification in-house.

37:37Behind-the-scenes bloopers and outtakes.