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Reply to "OEM key shape and Ignition Switch"

TEVE,
This is relative to the switch as it is about solving future problems, like worn out switches.

1.
UPPER BALL JOINTS
Remove the three 8mm bolts from the top A-arm attaching it to the upper ball joint, Lift it and expose a small bolt. Remove it and screw in a Zirc fitting. Then grease it. The squeaks will go away.
Herb Grass’s upper ball joint broke, it had never been greased. No worry though, the steering will get very stiff before that happens, a warning that it is going to happen.

2.
SHIFT LINKAGE.
To remove the shift linkage simply remove the 10mm bolt through the shift rod, the shift knob is attached to it.
Then loosen the u-joint on the shift box on the side of the trans-axle. Turn the entire assembly over, 180 degrees and re attach everything. You do not have to remove the Heims joint or joints that are attached to the rear subframe to do this.
Wear in the joints result in sloppy movement of the shift lever, sometimes resulting in different gears than expected. Eventually you will not be able to use all the gears.

3.
STEERING SHAFT JOINTS.
Unbolt the three bolts on the front of the steering shaft that attach it to the steering. rack. Remove the steering wheel. Remove the large nut at the top of shaft that is under the steering wheel. Rotate the shaft 120 degrees and re-attach everything.

Rotating the shafts re-positions the joints to points where they have not worn before.
Not all u-joints have grease fittings. Half of mine did not.

New joints are very hard to find, Johnny Woods has a source.

DICK RUZZIN
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