David EilersJanuary 19, 2010

Gary's New Bell Crank

Do you have a problem with your Bell crank getting a little loose, affecting the steering on your old flattie? But, you don't want to go through the mods necessary or alter the originality of the steering?

Gary's friend Lawrence has developed a great solution. Lawrence Elliot theorized that that the bell crank could be machined in a way to accept tapered roller bearings. It is then fitted with a pin style adjustment. As you can see in the pics below, the final product looks simple and slick.

If you are interested in having Lawrence build you one of these, you can contact him at 828-287-5275. Thanks for sharing this great idea!

4 Comments

PatrickMay 22, 2018 at 4:03 AM
Are these available for a 1960 cj5?
David EilersMay 22, 2018 at 12:18 PM
Hi Patrick, Contact Lawrence at the phone number in the post. I met with Lawrence just two weeks ago for the first time. http://www.ewillys.com/2018/05/11/day-13-friday-may-11th-lawrence-leubeck/
Craig HendricksMarch 3, 2020 at 6:25 PM
March 3, 2020 Update. Just spoke with Lawrence this morning. He's doing well at 80 but no longer can do any machine work. Told him about my 42 GPW and he said his solution was for CJ5s and the bell cranks on the older jeeps are too small and won't take the machine work needed. Nice fella, I wish him well. Said he still drives his 55 Willys pickup.
David EilersMarch 3, 2020 at 10:24 PM
Hi Craig, Thanks for the update. Sorry to hear he's slowed down a bit, but good to know he's still getting around. I had a great meeting with him back in 2018. Nice fellow. - Dave