Anybody have a slick way to center up the axle? I spent 1/2 hour on it last night and still didn't get it right since I somehow ended up with a chain that is too tight.

 

1. stop
2. put all tools down
3. find a brick
4. bash brick on your forehead until you are unconcious

thats what i do when chain adjustment time comes around.

 

no special way, I just take my time, I always make sure the little bracket with the marks on it is at the front or back at all times, that way you always get the same reading.

I loosen the 4 top bolts.
Then back the 2 rear nuts almost all the way, so you can move the axle by hand.
I sit on the ground and just grab the axle and move it by hand to where the chain is right.
I make sure the markers are all the way against the bolts and see if the marks are even, if they are and the chain it right then I tighten the 4 top bolts, and then tighten the 2 rear nuts.

I found this is easier than trying to use the nuts to adjust.

 

I adjusted my chain before I read this tonight. I ended up using two ratchet tie downs hooked on either side, going from the a-arms to the rear axle. Becasue my chain was too tight, I wanted to bottom out the two adjustment nuts and just loosen them until the chain was just right. This actually worked okay but is very mickey mouse.

There has got to be a better way.

The first time I tried by loosening everything up and moving the axle into position by hand but it was very difficult to move it the slight amounts that were necessary.

 

I have never had a problem adjusting my chain. The trick is to do everything exactly the same on both sides. Loosen the top four bolts, but not super loose. Then just adjust the two adjuster bolts first left then right. Only adjust them 1/4 to 1/2 turn at a time. I found it best to use a ratchet when doing this so that you can tell how much you are turning it. Position the ratchet exactly strait up and down then turn it. Then do the exact same thing on the other bolt. When the chain is at the right tension tighten the top four bolts back up and check the chain one more time. Hope this helps you guys!!

 

step #1 crack open a cold one, or two. After that just take your time to make sure it is lined up right and tighten all the bolts back up. after tightening you may have to do some fine tuning but no big deal.
later sparx

 

Durabluz400,
Thanks for the tip!