End of summer update: I've been trying to work on hot weather punch list stuff. Basically anything that didn't require welding attire made the list. One of the dirtier jobs was removing and replacing the rear leaf spring attaching hardware. Really long story short, I'm not sure those parts had ever been removed or replaced. Everything was quite worn and quite stuck in place. Ultimately, I used both the special tool from our tech tips page and a ball joint press. Both excel at particular jobs, but neither excel at both removing and replacing, in my opinion. So, lots of effort, strong words, sweating and grease later, both leaf springs have been completely serviced with NOS parts. Pics attached. In addition to serving the leaf springs, I had one other rear suspension issue on the list. The driver side shock mount had been damaged at some point in it's life. The cup on top of the mount was missing and the hole that the shock extended through had been wallowed out. To correct those problems, I first welded a large fender type washer over the hole. Welding one spot allowed me to use the body hammer to shape the washer to fit over the shock mount. Welding a spot, hammer, weld working my way around the perimeter of the washer. Once it was tacked all around, I welded the rest of the perimeter. To construct a new cup, I took one of the washers that holds the rubber cushion around the shock and cleaned it up. Once clean, I flipped it over and presto, chango it became a new cup! I welded that to the washer and called it a win. Primer and paint later and I think it'll be a good field repair. If it ever breaks loose or if it looks like the new shock is wallowing out the hole again, I'll address it then. I doubt that'll happen quickly, so I'm not going to worry about it. Pics attached for that repair. Well, that's all for now. It's still hot here, so I'll stick to hot weather punch list stuff for now. OBTW, while welding the shock repair, I absolutely used PPE to protect my eyes and hands. I did not, however, wear long pants or long sleaves...just couldn't do it in the heat!
