I finally got back to disassembling the front end. Driver side steering end is off the axle/diff, but I have failed to pull the upper pivot pin out. Bottom one came away OK, but despite a number of approaches, top one wont budge. There is evidence of corrosion around the edge, so no secret why its firm. May call on the bearing shop in town. If I can lift the bloody thing into the car first! Both hubs are off. The wheel hub nuts were in perfect condition, not butchered by the dreaded cold chisel removal in past. So far, the bearings and cups I can see look to be in good shape. They will get replaced regardless, so long as replacements can be found. One part that I am worried about is the large grease seal that sits inside wheel hubs. Its about the biggest seal I have come across thus far. They are worn and cannot be trusted to do their job.
Driver side brake backing plate is welded, as I think I had previously stated. If I fail to remove the upper pivot pin, I may consider total replacement ot the entire assembly on that side. That will save me ages of work grinding ofr the backing plate.
Passenger side backing plate thankfully NOT welded, but I found something very interesting when I had gone over it with a bit of steel wool & petrol. One one side was stamped RF. I gather they are 'sided', so this should really say LF. Curious! The hub had the L stamped wheel nuts and bolts. Thought I had got the whole thing Bass Ackwards for a little while. Petrol fumes must have dulled the brain a bit.
Was informed of two sources for replacement felt seals for steering knuckle. Will order these on Tuesday. All going well, the sandblaster will be doing alright during next week too.
New wheel cylinders are sitting on my parts shelves. New front wheel brake hoses should arive in coming days. The brake shoes I have should be OK to use as is, but I recently bought a second set to send away for relining, in case I get picky. Probably will.
Transmission is now finished, with the exception of new grease hose for throwout shaft. I had enquired to Ajays in New Zealand, and they were out of stock at the time, but said they would contact their supplier and let me know if they could get any more. I was expecting an email by start of last week...............not heard from them yet, so I will continue to search until I get impatient and contact them myself. The new clutch shaft bushes were a super tight fit and driving them in caused slight deforming of one edge which was remedied with a slight honing. Clutch shaft is a perfect fit now. To think I nearly tried to get away with the original, sloppy ones.
The following is a list of replacement parts used on the trans rebuild:
Input bearing, MDG shaft
Output bearing, MDG shaft
Rear oil seal, main shaft
Throwout bearing
Throwout return spring
Pilot bearing
Clutch shaft bushes
Oil fill plug
Oil drain plug (magnetic)
1x selector rod detent spring
2x selector rod detent balls
Full set of gaskets
Gear lever lock pin
Reverse gear, lockout latch
Reverse gear lockout return spring
Gear knob
Fresh lock wire to selector forks and rear mount bolts.
New bolts, selector housing cover to gearbox
Grease delivery container, throwout assembly
And hopefully soon; new grease hose, throwout assembly