Hello Cameron & Bob.
I had the pivot pin problem again today, on the passenger side. With this one, I think I see what the cause of both sides sticking actually is. I thought it strange that both of the upper pins have played up and not the bottom. Simple answer when I took a close look (with my spectacles on). Both of the caps had been loosened off as if about to pull the pins out, then left loose so water could get under and sieze the pins in place. I had no luck with this one today either. Had made a puller from a chunk of pipe with a nice thick bit of steel across the top. I keep all bolts I replace with new, so there is always something around to fit most sizes. In this attempt the steel puller didnt deform like last weekends thinner steel did, BUT what I thought was the strain on the pin itself, was actually the bolt I inserted hitting bottom of the pin and starting to strip thread from the pin as well as the bolt. Job well done!
This is turning into a trilogy in four parts! I'll let this little debarcle sit dormant for a while, and do other axle/diff stuff.
Regarding the welded brake backing plate, negative on the stripped threads! They are all good. I made a point of looking at each one today. Its gonna have to come off one way or another, and I dont have the patience (or steadyness) to sit and whittle away at the weld lines with a die grinder. My big angle grinder is too big to get into that space, and my small one is too small to reach in there. Unlike Goldie Locks, I dont have one that is Juuuust right. On the other hand, if I have a replacement plate, then I can afford to butcher this one from the wheel hub side and cut it away. Earlier in the week I started making enquiries to buy a replacement plate. No luck so far, but not given up hope yet. I forgot to check the welded plate to see if it is stamped RF or LF. The left side one was stamped RF.
I have an ever growing list of bearings, cups, and seals that I want to replace. With removal of the passenger side steering assembly today, I can now see another seal in the distal end of that axle tube. And it looks totally u/s. What a surprise!
Cameron, I'll take down that seal number and see the bearing shop guys on Tuesday........with a fair old list! Thanks for the heads-up. That seal should suit me well also. Same problem as you, maybe a little less severe.