Modified WDH snap up brackets

[Groovy]

This is the modification done to the snap up brackets on my WDH after a hinge pin broke last Saturday.
The support webs on the inside of the snap levers were non existent from new and the hinge pins were starting to bend. I had the additional brackets fitted and Allen screws were used as the new pivots, they are both larger in diameter and stronger than the originals and now they're supported on either side of the snap levers, will never give trouble again. A fringe benefit is the levers now snap up with a much more positive and easier action.

[NoGreyYet]

G'day Groovy,

You might want to consider using high tensile bolts and sacrificial bushings in the holes. Yes the bushings will require occasional replacement but it will also prompt the replacement of the bolts and a close inspection of the assembly.

[Berny]

Grain in the timber is running the wrong way Greg.

[Groovy]

Grain in the timber is running the wrong way Greg.

It's a temporary thing until I get the exact amount needed, then I will build new brackets from scratch to suit, lifting them another full link higher to give me an extra link for movement, although 4 links is working well I would like another link.
That piece of wood has caused the front to go down 1cm from the van off the ball measurement.

[dave_shirley]

although 4 links is working well

Greg, I like the mod. Should last forever though I'm surprised the pins failed!
From memory, 4 links is the 'minimum' number recommended by Hayman Reece. If you have the adjustable WDH head you could reset the camber setting to tilt the head more providing same lift but with 5 working links not 4.
Then again, I think its only an issue when turning very tightly in which case the bars can be removed.
Glad to see you got it fixed
Cheers
Dave

[Groovy]

Hi Dave
No adjustable head, it is the Ford hitch and came with the van, had to get that modified too, Ford in their wisdom fitted 5/8" bolts through 11/16" holes and expect the head to stay aligned, I had them drilled out to 3/4" with Grade 8 bolts and nuts plus welded, which has certainly stopped it from farting in church.

[ozjohn]

I don't know what Ford recommend, but HR recommend at leasts 4 working links.
the set up shown only has 2 working links. The top one on the lifting bracket and the bottom one on the spring bar are not considered working links, but anchor links.
ozjohn.

[Colin@1943]

Ozjohn,

I thought it was three in the photo but had a look at the HR instructions - they don't count the bottom link but I can't see why as it is free.




I would have said the example had 5. Also means I run one short too

[Dunco]

I don't know what Ford recommend, but HR recommend at leasts 4 working links.
the set up shown only has 2 working links. The top one on the lifting bracket and the bottom one on the spring bar are not considered working links, but anchor links.
ozjohn.

Thanks for that John. Something I didn't know.

I have 7 links in total, so therefore I have 6 working links as I don't count the top one as working....and I never count the bottom "half" link anyway.