Installing my Western Chassis drop

[1970pelle]

Man I'm getting old, I only finished on side yesterday. I only worked about 4 hours on the project. I started on the left front, replacing the spindled, spring,shock, both ball joints, and swap bar bushings. And a bunch of cleaning.
The tear down was easy, I have to brag again on southern trucks. Everything unbolted, cotter pins pulled out easy. But all the years of rode dirt,tar,sand and whatever. Made for some tuff and very dirty cleaning of the A-arms, and surrounding areas.
The only thing that kicked my butt was the lower ball joint. Which is a press in or beat in joint. The joint was larger than the A-frame hole. So after some cleaning and running a die grinder with a flat bit around the ID of the ball joint hole. And hit the belt sander with the ball joint its self. I was able to get it started and pushed in to place.
I'm sure the right side will go much smoother. Then onto the rear for the leaf spring hangers. The shackels are already installed. And removing the over load spring.

Then installing the transmission and new intake manifold. I may get to drive this truck one day.


Ken