quality machine shop

The "stainless caps" might be hardened and ground bearing surfaces. If that is the case, $230 isn't too bad, not a bargain, but reasonable if the shop was maybe a little out of their realm.

I wouldn't recommend aluminum unless the original part is aluminum.

I can make the parts even if the bearing surfaces are hardened and ground. I have a pretty well equipped small machine shop and lots of time and an empty wallet. You'll have to ship up to Wisconsin, but I have a '78 LTD here to test fit the sleeve when it's done. . I'll save you some money too.
Tom

i tried to utilize the sleeve from the zx by taking the zx bolt and cutting it down to the same length. only diff was the ID was 11/16 vs 5/8. i was going to slide the shortened zx bolt into the zx sleeve and weld the ends, but the bolt is steel and the sleeve is aluminum. now im lost.

well i called mcmaster-carr and they dont have a 1" OD 5/8" ID piece of alum tubing. that way i could weld the 1" tubing inside the zx sleeve and still use it. i may have to get a 1" OD and a 3/4" ID, then drill my bosses out to 3/4", and get a 3/4" bolt.

I don't think you'd have to weld the inner bushing to the zx sleeve. The zx sleeve could be bored for bushings on the ends that have an ID to fit the kz bolt. The bushings could be made and the boring/fitting done in a couple of hours. Is the width of the zx swing arm the same as the kz?
What's the OD of the zx sleeve. The ID? KZ bolt dia?

I would stay away from opening up the holes in the frame.
Tom

TomW wrote:

I don't think you'd have to weld the inner bushing to the zx sleeve. The zx sleeve could be bored for bushings on the ends that have an ID to fit the kz bolt. The bushings could be made and the boring/fitting done in a couple of hours. Is the width of the zx swing arm the same as the kz?
What's the OD of the zx sleeve. The ID? KZ bolt dia?

I would stay away from opening up the holes in the frame.
Tom

zx sleeve OD is 1 3/8", ID is 1". kz bolt diameter is 5/8"

are we calling the pivot tube of the swingarm,the zx tube ?

leon

531blackbanshee wrote:

are we calling the pivot tube of the swingarm,the zx tube ?

leon

yes leon

I have in my hand a piece of 6061 aluminum 1-1/8" dia. I can turn it to fit your sleeve ID, and drill to fit your KZ bolt, stick it in the sleeve with Loctite 620, (it wont move after the Loctite has set) and face the ends flush for $95. If you need spacers to fill in for sideways play in the swing arm I'll make those for $15 additional.

Tom

This MAY be a cheaper alternative for you. The steel tube MIGHT fit close enough without machining. You'll have to measure the ID of the sleeve and bolt dia. with a micrometer to know.

www.speedymetals.com/pc-3498-8242-1-od-x...-dom-steel-tube.aspx

Tom

thanks everyone for helping. i have 1" OD alum, and 1/2" ID tubing. i will ream it to 5/8" and use my kz bolt. at least i know who the machining guys are now. happy holidays...Joe

kz1k wrote:

thanks everyone for helping. i have 1" OD alum, and 1/2" ID tubing. i will ream it to 5/8" and use my kz bolt. at least i know who the machining guys are now. happy holidays...Joe

Send me a detailed drawing including what meterial you want the sleeve to be made of and i'll machine you up a sleeve N/C as a member favor, just pay me for shipping.