In reply to xlt4wd90, thanks for the enthusiasm!

No I didn't replace the front one because it hadn't fallen out, seemed to be in there pretty solidly, and would have been a bear to remove. I do believe that if it could be removed, then the same method I used on the back one would press the front one into place too.

I kinda have the philosophy that if it didn't fall off, it probably doesn't need replaced.

In reply to 96_4wdr, thanks for asking.

The brand and part number are unknown to me. I went to Autozone and they didn't have anything in stock, but had an aftermarket bushing set that could be special ordered for $13.99, so I ordered it. When it arrived it was longer than the original, and cone shaped. It is the little red thingamajig in the photos with my tools. Since it was too long, I used my grinder to make it more fitting.

The ball joints were replaced by an outrageously expensive (by my standards), but very professional, 4WD place in June 2009. So, despite the mud (and numerous off-road miles) I'd guess that they're still in pretty good condition. I will, however, look for the zerk and get some grease into it.

The brake lines weren't damaged in any outwardly visible way. I know that dust & dirt & particles can get into anything and cause unexpected trouble -- especially out here in the desert. It seems to brake evenly, which it didn't do "before all the fixin's", so I'll just cross my eyes and hope for the best.

Yes, this is a certainly a "high mileage rig"! It was rescued from the junk heap, fought over by the California DMV and Arizona MVD for jurisdiction and outrageous fees, and finally registered with a "bonded title" to get past all that. The tranny was rebuilt in Mexico where my favorite shade-cactus mechanic lives, so it's used to getting the short end of the stick, maintenance-wise. It seems to thrive on rough usage. It's now my back-up work van and our off-road camping van and very useful for pulling things when needed.

Thanks again for the mechanical knowledge I have gleaned from the good folks on this forum!

 

Pull down that little rubber boot on the lower side of the brake line junction and see if water has been trapped there, causing rust on the fitting.

 

it's a real shame that the aftermarket manufs. are dumping producing unique parts required by the Aero. saw Rockauto put all their unique Aero parts on a dump sale here a couple years ago. looks like most rigs older than 10 years are getting the parts axe.

it's easier to buy new manuf. parts for a '66 Mustang than a 30 year newer Aero.

hope that upper bushing holds up.

saw lots of Aeros on the road in Mexico my last drive trip there in the late 90s fishing Baja. popular rig, big families and 2 a/c's. wouldn't drive it now. shame, wonderful warm people and scenic desert/ocean/Gulf. used to be a great drive vacation.

do they have rust in the Sonora Desert. must be some water somewhere, there's mud? maybe from the salt lake beds?

good onya for tackling a tough job in the heat there, must be in the 80s already.

 

Yeah, there's sometimes a little water out here. We had a cloudburst back in January and I got into some sticky mud then.

But most of the time the temp is in triple digits and the humidity in single digits, so it's hard to trap water in a thermos. Rust and mold are considered something from fairy tales. However, dust and sand gremlins get into everything.