Riveting

The upper ball joints are installed after a bit of experimentation to set the rivets that secure them in place without damaging the finish on the A-arms.

A 20-ton press was finally rigged correctly with a few bolts, an anvil and a hitch pin from a tractor to get the job done. This was a struggle.

Now all that needs to happen to be able to install the front suspension is to install the pivots and bushings.

That requires not only the parts, but a bushing installation tool, so we'll have to wait for all of that to be ordered.

In all, there were only a few small chips in the paint on the A-arms by the time the ball joints were installed, so that's pretty good.

That will get touched up down the line the next time something gets painted black

Also restored were the factory front alignment shims. These are natural, unfinished steel, but to keep them from rusting, they were Parkerized gray.

These will be installed as the upper A-arms are installed and will be joined by plated shims from the alignment shop once this is aligned.