Cap screw size on a Kirkham??

[southernfriedcj]

Can any of you Kirham owners tell me what the size of the big cap screw that bolts the rear lower control arm to the frame is(rear suspension)? It's bigger than 3/8 and smaller than 1/2. I figured 7/16, but Lowes and Sears don't sell a 7/16.
Could it be metric(none of the other suspension fastners are)?

Thanks, Jim

[Rick Parker]

7/16 is an automotive size, not used in too many other applications. You might try a good farm implement or tractor dealeras they often have a vast assortment of various sizes and grades. For that matter an automotive supply store if you are lucky. In out area Ochard Supply Hardware has this size. Be sure to use the correct grade of bolt.

Rick

[southernfriedcj]

Thanks, Rick. It looks like the hunt for a 7/16 hex is back on.

[Specialk]

Where the lower rear control arm attaches to the frame is a 5/8" bolt. I'm not sure of any other bolts smaller than 5/8".

[southernfriedcj]

Kris, on my car(KMP230X) there is a big cap screw. Everything else is bolted but the rear lower control arms.

Jim

[Specialk]

Jim, could you take a picture of it? I am curious as to what bolt you a refering to.

[southernfriedcj]

You're readin' my mind Kris. I'll email you a couple of pics shortly.

Jim

[southernfriedcj]

Kris, I emailed you several photos. I had to do the one by one, I couldn't figure out how to mail the entire group. I tried to give close ups and wide shots so you could get the relationship of everything. It came to mind that what I refer to as a lower control arm may in fact be some kind of track bar. This could be where the confusion lies.
If you ever need a 7/16 hex socket you can scratch Pep Boys, Autozone, Sears, Home Depot, and Lowes. Napa ordered one for me. Go figure.

Jim

[David Kirkham]

Jim,

The size of the "allen" wrench we use on the 5/8 socket head cap screw for the rear lower control arm is 1/2 inch. Maybe you should check your size again. I don't think a 7/16 "allen" wrench will work.

We use "allen" head bolts because they give better clearance around the gas tank.

Please let me know if you have any problems.

David

[southernfriedcj]

David, I tried a 1/2 drive rachet extension and it was too big, that's why I ruled out a 1/2 hex head. I'll order a 1/2 Allen wrench and try again.

Thanks, Jim

[southernfriedcj]

Originally posted by David Kirkham


Jim,

The size of the "allen" wrench we use on the 5/8 socket head cap screw for the rear lower control arm is 1/2 inch. Maybe you should check your size again. I don't think a 7/16 "allen" wrench will work.

We use "allen" head bolts because they give better clearance around the gas tank.

Please let me know if you have any problems.

David

David, I checked the cap screw again, this one isn't a 1/2". I'll have the 7/16 wrench in from NAPA tomorrow, and let you know how it goes. Also, this cap screw isn't near the gas tank(lower control arm -to- frame bolt).
Between the right rear knockoff and this cap screw, I'm starting to get the itch for a little oxy/ace!

[southernfriedcj]

David, you were right, the 7/16" was too small, must be a 1/2"(a 1/2" drive ratchet does't fit in a 1/2" hex cap screw). I guess I'll order a 1/2" Allen wrench from NAPA tomorrow.

[Robert McLinden]

Gentlemen,

For fasteners and all sorts of interesting items might I suggest you log into McMasterCarr. They sell to the general public and usually ship the same day. It sure has saved me a lot of running around looking for odd sizes (especially fasteners).

http://www.mcmaster.com/

Have fun.