Ok, got 'em in! Once Kevin told me that those aren't suppose to be on there I got out the dremel with a stone cylinder on it and took them off. Of course, the plugs I got from classic parts still seemed a bit over on size (I don't think the Taiwanese are big on quality control), so I started one edge and worked my way around the piece. They're not pretty, but they're in. I was wondering why the bottom plugs on both sides looked more like a flat slug in there, and now I know. Mine look that way too. So, the good news is, the pins are in, the backing plate is in, and after going to the hardware store for some bolts and a better 1/2" - 20 chase, I was able to get the old boogered bolts cleaned up and in. Had to use 1 new castle nut, since I mangled one getting the last long bolt out of one side. But they're on.
One more question, if anybody's still listening. Is there a bolt torque list anywhere for these trucks?? I've looked through my shop manual and factory manual and can't seem to find any for the 4 bolts from the knuckle to the brake plate. Pretty sure there's a page around the king pin/front end stuff about the castle bolts as far as tightening them up and backing them off to catch the next cotter pin hole. But I'm not finding anything on the upper short bolts or the locking pin nuts anywhere. I was thinking of putting Loctite on them and just cranking them down, but if there's a torque spec for them, I'd like to go with that. Thanks again, guys. All that's left is putting new brake pads on and I'm done with this until I get a front end alignment. I was going to rebuild the tie rod ends and drag link joints, but I've got a list a mile long of other stuff. My 3500 needs hinge pins, my wife's Lacrosse needs the tranny filter and oil changed, my daughter's rear brake pads need changed, and I need a break!
Any other thoughts on what I need to make sure that the alignment guys need to check on? I was reading up on camber and caster because, who knows when the last time that was checked, but I couldn't find a detailed 'how to' that I could follow to do it. It pretty much freaks the shop mechanics out when I drive up in the truck to get something checked, since they don't have a clue about anything that isn't front wheel drive or over 10 years old. If there's anything I need to get them to do, let me know. And thanks again!
