Hi D
From the looks of your photos everything up-front
has been rebuilt.(?) Vibration is an indication that something isn't quite kosher in the front end. I'm assuming your kingpins are good, tie rod ends rebuilt or replaced, spring shackle pins and bushings are in good shape and the wheel bearings are adjusted up and the shocks are working properly. Beyond that you could have a bent wheel, or an out of balance tire/wheel. You could try rotating the tires and see of the vibration goes away. You mentioned the steering was "vague". There is an adjustment procedure in the shop manual to adjust the play out of the steering box.
Noisy and a top speed of 45 is about normal.
Nice photos on your link.
Good luck, enjoy the ride.
Last edited by cletis; 06/19/2009 10:03 PM. Reason: deleted off topic question
