Centering lift rod

[Knowledge_is_key]

I know this may be a "should know this ?" but what's the best way to center a lift rod? Is it mostly bending, pushing and pulling on the rods? Or can u slide left to right on the arms? Just a curiosity ? Thanks

[loadtoad]

I assume you are talking about centering them to the ball wheel? loosen the two locking collars on the shaft that is attached on the open end of the lift rods and slide the 'springed' shaft to one side so the ball wheel is centered between the rods. I eyeball it from the pin wiper side when doing this. Retighten the locking collars and it should stay lined up.
If there is a lot of slop or too much wobble, might want to check the clapper box bushings. If it's a matter of not being lined up still, you can bend or reposition the rods to a certain degree with some force and a solid vise/platform to work with.

[RipOwens]

Loadtoad, that will work however that is not really the adj. for that but it will work for a very small correction. By adj. in that manner it will cause wear to the springrod, bushing, and peference trip. I understand doing it that way if the rods are bent badly but it will cause damage to the parts mentioned as well as putting rig springs at the top to help center them. That being said, remove the 2 locknuts on the springrod and let the rods swing down to the ball wheel , then push or pull and bend til centered. Have had really bad lift rods before and I understand doing whatever it takes vs buying new ones.

[loadtoad]

Rip, I've done it the way you mentioned also, but only for the ugly off centered sets; as you mentioned the way I had mentioned works for the sets that aren't off that much.

[Lonnie_Mitchell]

I agree with Rip. The spring rod should have absolutely NO side to side pressure placed on the bushing. This damages not only the bushing, but also the spring rod stud and the spring rod itself.

[Kanga (James)]

I have a step-by-step procedure for doing this that has worked well for me on A2 lift rods in our centres. If you'd like a copy Knowledge let me know.

[wepauls]

Bother I think your procedure is closely if not the same as mine
Can you [ P M ] me a copy
thanks

[PJ]

Here's Lonnies liftrod adjusment which we have been given permission to download by Lonnie.
http://www.kingpinenterprise.com/upl...Adjustment.pdf