We bought the car in the summer of 2001, for 2500, and i wish that I had pointed out the SHOT upper balljoints, it might have saved us a couple hundred bucks. I ended up going through Four tires that were all but new when we got the car within two months. I coulnt figure out why the car was squeaking and then I looked at the upper balljoints and they were destroyed. the rubber boots were shredded and the upper part of the flange was split on both sides. So I ordered up the parts, got out the tools, and arranged to take a four day weekend.
You see, AMC built this car (and some others) without grease fittings on the balljoints. So, when they run out of lubrication, or when the small amout that came in them gets contaminated, youre stuck. But My Friendly local Parts Store had what I needed and I drove the 81 for three days. It must be great to have a garage, Torches and Air tools. All that I had to remove the Rivets in the Joint was a big chisel and a Hammer. Clean but slow. And yes, I still have all my fingers. But the new joints went in, slick as could be, and I got an alignment-Immediately. Throw in two new tires and I was a happy Man. |
