There should be a thrust bearing on top of the knuckle (under the axle) and a shim between the top of the axle and the bottom of the knuckle. The spec for the gap at the top is 0.005" when lifted from the bottom to fully compress the thrust bearing. I strongly suspect that by the time you get it far enough apart to add a shim, you aee going to find it to worn to safely out back together.
I am sending you a PM about some parts.
