So spring is coming around and I'm finally getting more time under the car to start replacing the consumables but over the winter I've run into a few issues sourcing parts.
I use the lower control arm that does not use the Dana press-in balljoint. Instead it's an easier to replace bolt-in, but while I can find the upper balljoints and the Dana lowers, I cannot source the bolt-in lower balljoints. Even Dorman has them on backorder until demand increases. I guess it however is not as bad as the spring seat bushings. Those are all chewed up and need to be replaced but surprise, those are also currently unavailable as well and boy, I sure live having to remove coil springs more than I have to.
I am aware that NOS parts are available however being booted or rubber products it would be unwise to replace a part with another that's already 20 years old.
Otherwise, the valve cover gasket got to be changed in the dead of winter which was just as fun but hey, oil consumption has stopped. Likewise the rebuilt coolant switch failed AGAIN. It didn't electrically fail or come apart but I can see oil weeping around the epoxied rim. JB Weld simply cannot handle the thermal cycling and I can't think of any other adhesive that is heat, chemical, vibration and oil resistant, so I fabricated a metal bracket which clips around the entire assembly and harness plug and presses it together.
This has allowed the switch to stay together and keep the assembly sealed. I ran a feedback performance test last weekend and it passed.
