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61 Classic SW trunion issue

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Jab1auto View Drop Down
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    Posted: Aug/19/2017 at 8:25pm
Just purchased a 61 Classic Station wagon. Drive side front end totally came out of lower trunion & bent upper A arms. The threaded end will just pull out of the "cup" in lower A arm. ???? Don't think a threaded part should be able to pull out. Are there different size cups that could have been installed during a previous owners repairs? There was quite a bit of grease around the joint so doesn't look like it was a new repair. I used the set of A arms from my 64 Classic, looks the same but parts books don't say they are the same. Bolt & spacer was different size but arms seamed same? Any thoughts on that. Thanks
Car ran good for the 3 mile drive from shop to my home, glad if fell out in driveway & not while driving down the road.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote farna Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Aug/20/2017 at 11:59am
You have to get a replacement lower trunnion. No, it shouldn't pull out, and generally won't... as long as it has been greased regularly. The upper arms for the 56-69 big cars are the same.. at least 56-66. That trunnion will last forever as long as it gets grease every 10K miles or so, or every other year. A lot of the old Ramblers were treated as "throw away" cheap used cars, who spends money on greasing them? Luckily the pin is hardened, the "cup" as you call it will wear first. I'd consider replacing the other side also, as it's probably no better. The upper trunnion is similar to the lower, except it has no threads in the vertical portion where the pin (steering knuckle) goes through. Grease those side "caps" though!! Unfortunately those trunnions have become expensive -- over $200. APD has one listed for 52-56 Rambler, but that's the one you need, and it's $200 there. The "type 2" is a fix for worn knuckle threads, and isn't usually necessary. The threads are standard 5/8" IIRC -- if a 5/8" nut will thread on the bottom of the steering knuckle and not pull off you're good for the stock trunnions.  If it will pull or wiggle off the knuckle threads are too worn and you need a set of trunnions with a sleeve to repair the threads -- APD has those for $200 also. Lastly, if you have a parts car with a set that's not worn so bad, you can clean, assemble with anti-seize, then grease and be good to go. It's possible to use the crossmember form a 62 Classic along with the lower arms and steering knuckle to convert to a lower ball joint, but unless you have a parts car it's not practical. And converting to a Mustang II or some other custom suspension will cost a lot more than the $500 or so for the two lower trunnions.

I've had a 62 American (same type lower trunnion) come out while going down the road. Not fun at all!!
Frank Swygert
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