DIY Trunion Upgrade
#1
So I was only able to find one link to a post where someone did the trunion upgrade at home without a press, and I did not like how he did some of it, so this is my modified version if anyone is looking for tips.
Tools: Bench Vise, 24mm deep socket(impact works well), 13mm socket, 6" extension, snap ring pliers, large punch.
Start by taking your stock rocker and place it with the two "flats" on top of the 24mm socket. Take your punch (about 1/4") and place it on the stock trunion. Hit it a couple times and the trunion will fall out of bottom fairly easy.

Then flip the rocker and attach 13mm socket to 6" extension. Place 13mm socket inside of the rocker pushing the bottom bearing cap. A couple hammer taps will knock it out.

This is what happens when a cap falls off in your engine...

Then take your new trunion and bearings, place one bearing on end of trunion with letters facing out, place in to rocker. Place other bearing on the other side. Stick the assembled rocker assembly in to vise (I used cardboard which worked great to protect it). Bearings dont have to be perfect, they will flatten out. Crank is a couple times till you feel resistance and stop. Now the bearings and trunion will be flush. the bearings will be pushed in to the rocker about half way at this point.

Now use the supplied washers with the kit. Place the washers on either side of the bearings. The washers are slightly bigger in the center so the trunion can protrude. Start cranking on vise, they will go in pretty easy. If it feels like it starts to hang up, move the washers around and try again. (The trunion is hitting the washer and the washer is not centered) Keep going until the washers are flush against the rocker on both sides.

Then place the two snap rings on either end of the trunion. Use snap ring pliers and only open the snap rings enough to barely get them on.

Do this 15 more times.
I am happy I didnt pay someone to do it. Took me just over an hour to do all 16.
Any questions just ask! I hope this helps someone!
Tools: Bench Vise, 24mm deep socket(impact works well), 13mm socket, 6" extension, snap ring pliers, large punch.
Start by taking your stock rocker and place it with the two "flats" on top of the 24mm socket. Take your punch (about 1/4") and place it on the stock trunion. Hit it a couple times and the trunion will fall out of bottom fairly easy.

Then flip the rocker and attach 13mm socket to 6" extension. Place 13mm socket inside of the rocker pushing the bottom bearing cap. A couple hammer taps will knock it out.

This is what happens when a cap falls off in your engine...

Then take your new trunion and bearings, place one bearing on end of trunion with letters facing out, place in to rocker. Place other bearing on the other side. Stick the assembled rocker assembly in to vise (I used cardboard which worked great to protect it). Bearings dont have to be perfect, they will flatten out. Crank is a couple times till you feel resistance and stop. Now the bearings and trunion will be flush. the bearings will be pushed in to the rocker about half way at this point.

Now use the supplied washers with the kit. Place the washers on either side of the bearings. The washers are slightly bigger in the center so the trunion can protrude. Start cranking on vise, they will go in pretty easy. If it feels like it starts to hang up, move the washers around and try again. (The trunion is hitting the washer and the washer is not centered) Keep going until the washers are flush against the rocker on both sides.

Then place the two snap rings on either end of the trunion. Use snap ring pliers and only open the snap rings enough to barely get them on.

Do this 15 more times.
I am happy I didnt pay someone to do it. Took me just over an hour to do all 16.
Any questions just ask! I hope this helps someone!
#2
I bought this tool from powerhouse, its works really well and makes it a whole lot easier. With this you can do a set in less than 1/2 hour. Honestly it was a 35.00 well spent.
Powerhouse Products LS Rocker Trunnion Install Tool
Powerhouse Products LS Rocker Trunnion Install Tool
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bisqikss
GM Drivetrain & Suspension
2
Feb 23, 2017 06:06 PM
LARRY01Z28
Tuning, Diagnostics, Electronics, and Wiring
14
May 2, 2016 10:37 PM
stroker87
Tuning, Diagnostics, Electronics, and Wiring
2
Apr 1, 2016 01:31 PM
07NBSChevy
GM Engine & Exhaust Performance
7
Mar 16, 2016 05:41 PM






