Jeff,

for sure, replace all the rubber under there. Surely after 27 years or so the rubber has given its all. It is worthwhile to consider polyurethane replacements from Chris at T3 techniques. 

I know these repairs can turn into a "oh well, why not pull this, and then this" event (like home renovation), but may I suggest, while you are in there, replacing the steering rack bushings and the steering coupler disks?

I bet for sure that the radius rod bushings are toast, and most likely the spacer sleeve within is rusted badly (right Neil? :))

And come to think of it, the spacer sleeves within the sway bar drop link lower bushings are probably toast.

Oh and ball joint quality replacement, do a samba search for recommendations (I can't recall brand names off hand). I recall there is one brand for sure to avoid.

good luck

alistair

On 2013-01-09, at 9:59 AM, Jeff Lincoln wrote:

> Great stuff guys - I appreciate it. Looking forward to any other input as
> well. I've never tackled this job so the more info the better. I think I
> will have access to a press so that will be good.
> 
> 
> 
> --
> Thanks,
> 
> Jeff
> '85 GL (Gertie)
> '78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus