lower outer suspension

[WillBilly53]

i'm trying to tighten the nut that screws onto the pin on the lower outer part of the steering knuckle. when i screw the pin throught the lower control arm and the bushing in the steering knuckle there is only clearance for about 1.5 turns for the nut. this is true on both the passenger and driver's side. and this is a brand new kit.(i hope this makes sense) and i can't find anything on this in either the '52 or '53 manual.

any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!!!

[old-tank]

The replacement pins for my 55 were short also. As long as you can get a few turns with the shake-proof washer installed it should be OK.

Willie

[WillBilly53]

thanks willie,

yes the pin is short. (why couldn't i have just said that? <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />)

so yes. the pin seems short. i'm just worried cause there seem to be a lot of threads left in the nut. i can't seem to get but about 1.5 turns before it gets tight. and i mean TIGHT. i don't want to mess up anything or screw up any threads.

on a progressive note. we bolted up the engine to the dynaflow yesterday. bolted the flywheel and torque converter today and i'm waiting on the exhaust manifold from wheatbelt to come in so we can get that baby in the car!

[Guest imported_NikeAjax]

Hey Will, did you compare the two pieces side by side, that being the old and new? I'm not trying to be a smarty here, but sometimes the "new" pieces "just ain't right!" I've seen this happen lots o' times, and then someone has the nerve to tell you, "Well that's an old car, they just don't make them parts no more!" Oh, really, thanks!

Did you ever chech out your thrust pad for the tranny? I saw one on eBay for cheep! I think 20bux, and they always have one too.

Jay

[WillBilly53]

thanks jay.

i did compare the length of each pin. they are the same. however on the new pin, the threads don't start for about 1/8 of an inch where as on the original, the threads are continuous. could i take both new pins to a machine shop and have them complete the threads? or is this a bad idea?

[Guest imported_NikeAjax]

Your machine-shop plan sounds like a good idea; I've found some repro parts just aren't up to what GM had as a standard. If and when ever you can, make it like what you got out of the car, that way they'll fit the older parts you're not replacing. Sometimes they sell you parts that go to newer cars and look close, but just aren't. I hope this works better for you!

Jay