Hey guys, I got sidetracked on my bumper project by a transmission issue. While I have the thing apart, I'm taking a shot at an improved AN fitting for the ZF5's slave cylinder. This is just a start. Eventually I would like a full blown quick-disconnect that will interface with the factory quick-connect and provide an AN-4 fitting.
Either way the goals of this project are:
1) Bring the aftermarket line connection OUTSIDE the bellhousing, thereby making the vehicle more serviceable in the event of line damage
2) Use standard AN/JIC fittings, allowing the use of off-the-shelf braided steel lines, available from several retailers or in a pinch, a hydraulic store.
3) Move away from proprietary components, as they leave the owner more exposed to sourcing issues down the road should the supplier fail.
Challenges:
1) No commercial solution for our application
2) Currently available similar solutions are AN-3, I would like AN-4 if possible
3) I will have to work in stainless, because I don't have a low cost plating solution
4) Sourcing the correct O-ring is currently a challenge
Possible alternatives
1) There are some aftermarket solutions that incorporate a similar quick-disco for a T56 trans. They are expensive, proprietary, and I'm not sure the fitting is exactly the same. There is not enough info to justify spending $100 on a hunch.
Most people are familiar with the Russell's clutch to AN-3 fitting
I took measurements from the Russell's fitting and the line currently on the truck, since I have read people having to modify the fitting to make it work. From what I measure they are the same and jive with each other within reasonable manufacturing tolerances. After taking measurements, I overlaid a picture onto the CAD sketch to confirm angles.
Then modeled the rest of the fitting with AN-4 features on the other end.
Currently I'm stuck until I find a source for the O-ring. It is standard dash-number dimensions, but I haven't found a source for the X-profile in EPDM. McMaster only carries Viton and Buna-N.
I'm posting here on the chance this pans out and other ZF owners would be interested in such a solution.
Cheers.
|
sorry my mind wandered for a second lol
