What is this part...

[rumblecloud]

...and what does it do?



I know that is the pinch bolt and underneath is the top ball joint (thanks Bobbywalter), but what is that star washer? I'm guessing it has something to do with adjusting the caster/camber? And yes I am gonna dig into it for my next project.
Thanks.

 

[dvdswan]

It sort of looks like a snap ring corroded all together.

 

[Curious Hound]

Not a washer. That's the top flange of the camber adjusting bushing. It is shaped like that so you can grab it and turn it to adjust camber, when the pinch bolt is loose.

Wow! Nice rust job.

 

[rumblecloud]

Wow! Nice rust job.

HEEEYYYY! No piling on.
Between you and Bobbywalter picking on my rust bucket I'm starting to get a complex.
It took 20-some years to get that nice rusty patina. I'm trying to clean her up a little at a time

Anyway, that's what I thought, but that isn't stock is it?

 

[sgtsandman]

 

[Curious Hound]

Anyway, that's what I thought, but that isn't stock is it?

Is it original? I'm not sure. But I think it is. Regardless, I would replace with a new one. You should also find a small retaining ring just above it, in a groove on the ball joint post.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Am I seeing that the pinch bolt head is already broken off?

Heat... penetrating oil and patience will go a long way.

 

[rumblecloud]

Is it original? I'm not sure. But I think it is. Regardless, I would replace with a new one. You should also find a small retaining ring just above it, in a groove on the ball joint post.

Thanks. I just didn't think that adjustable bushings were standard fare. I know the ball joints were replaced at 125,000 along with converting to manual hubs and other things. Perhaps they added them.
But yes, they will be replaced with new.

Am I seeing that the pinch bolt head is already broken off?
Heat... penetrating oil and patience will go a long way.

The head of the pinch bolt is inside a recess on the right side. It's a tight little pocket perfect for collecting years of rust and hard to get to because of that. It's not a standard hex either - maybe a twelve point.

I have plenty of patience. I know where to get the heat and penetrating juice when I run out. In the end they will be removed..

 

[Uncle Gump]

Yeah... I knew they were in a recess but thought you could still see a bit of the head. That's great news... you got this...

 

[Curious Hound]

I just didn't think that adjustable bushings were standard fare.

Looks like a single piece adjustment bushing to me. Not the two-piece adjustable type. I could be wrong. You'll know when you get it out.

 

[rumblecloud]

I'm starting to understand it more. There is another string by Fairlane who is having the same issue - although my rust is better than his.
It's all part of the process I guess. Thanks.

 

[bobbywalter]

Yeah ...

its adjustable....1 1/8 or 27 once it's loose allows whatever range it has.

In the salt belt....you take it all apart...shine it all up....whether acid...wire wheel .... Electrolysis....or parts galore from a wounded wallet...but likely a combination of all that goodness .....mixed with thoughts of I should hang myself..

...slather it all in anti sieze ....put it together

..and ...

if.....

you can find a shop that can align it. ...they will be very happy shit actually works....and only charge double.

 

[rumblecloud]

Funny how this works.

Started by replacing the worn out steering gear. That means disconnecting all the hangy-down stuff. It's a mess so I might as well start cleaning that up and replacing bushings and such. While everything is apart, might as well replace springs and shocks cuz they're just plain wore out. Don't like the way sits with the new springs, so might as well get

and do a simple washer lift. That throws off the angle of the dangle. Might as well put in one of those adjustable camber/caster thingies -- wait! It already has one but it's welded in place tighter than the queen's chastity belt, so you'll have to operate -- which serves you right for your years of neglect --- while you're at it you might as well replace the ball joints, top and bottom. .

I love this stuff.

Imma start a new string documenting this calamity and title it "Might as well."

 

[Curious Hound]

Funny how this works.

Started by replacing the worn out steering gear. That means disconnecting all the hangy-down stuff. It's a mess so I might as well start cleaning that up and replacing bushings and such. While everything is apart, might as well replace springs and shocks cuz they're just plain wore out. Don't like the way sits with the new springs, so might as well get View attachment 70872and do a simple washer lift. That throws off the angle of the dangle. Might as well put in one of those adjustable camber/caster thingies -- wait! It already has one but it's welded in place tighter than the queen's chastity belt, so you'll have to operate -- which serves you right for your years of neglect --- while you're at it you might as well replace the ball joints, top and bottom. .

I love this stuff.

Imma start a new string documenting this calamity and title it "Might as well."

Welcome to the world of old vehicles.

 

[Uncle Gump]

It's like the gift that just keeps giving!