hi all, i wanted to give some info on front end thumps and bumps, sqweeks and squawks...
the early chassis (round headlites) had different steering rods than later (square lites) the early has two idler arms in the steering, and those can jump up and down on the bolt a lil bit.(rubber inside)(seems to be more common on passenger side) the track arm bushings get pounded down (rubber)and move a small bit. the upper arm bushings can get sloppy (rubber inside) and then the springs can move slightly. its as much from sitting and age, as from driving.
isnt an issue, just annoying, until/unless, the tires start wearing off side of tread. some silicone spray on these rubber parts helps for a while. the alignment is often a bit off, but as long as it goes down the road straight, isnt a big deal.
the later ones had a different tie-rod setup, eventually one of the rod ends gets worn, the one nearest steering box.
both/all yrs work hard on steering boxes, to keep in lane and down road straight in wind and such, its a light truck steering gear, and they get beat down in the straight ahead position. the last little thing, the early subframe gets metal fatigue around where the steering gear bolts on, starts as a crack, that keeps spreading, just needs clamped back into position, and welded with a (best) wire-feed welder, as the channel and brakets there are same as wagon, cargo-van what have ya. -most of these parts can be found at salvage yard- (somewhat thinish and undersize for heavy camper bodied use) and hey, if ya drive one long enough to actually wear-out or break something, then you are a true road warrior !! all hail!!
