> final touchup work on the chassis, but when I rolled it out I noticed
> puddles of gear oil underneath the steering knuckles. When I first put
Mike,
This can be fixed. Have you contacted Brent Mullins? He lives nearby in
Bryan, and he lives and breathes Jeep stuff. Look for his ad in the
February 1997 Supply Line. His business is "Brent Mullins Jeep Parts".
(409) 690-0203. He can sell you a set of knuckle seals for $30. I met him
in the late 70's, when he was in high school, and I was at A&M, and he was
a serious Military collectibles aficionado back then. My wife (then my
girlfriend) and I bought paint for her GPW from him.
I've heard some sad tales about the steering knuckles from people who call
themselves mechanics. There was even one "mechanic" who recommended
draining the oil out and replacing it with bearing grease. I wouldn't
recommend that. Brent should know how to fix your knuckle joints, and
should be able to give you advice.
I'll be talking to my father-in-law pretty soon. I'll ask him if there are
any special tricks. I think the only tricks are to just get the knuckles
clean and bright and smooth, and put on some new seals, but I've never
dealt with them personally.
Gig 'em,
Lee A. Ethridge '82
'42 Ford GPW (but it actually belongs to my wife and her father)