Front UCA castle nut alignment

[jeskam]

If I get anywhere near the specified torque figure of 75lbs then the hole for the cotter pin is completely exposed. The kit came with a spacer for this exact purpose for the lower joint but not the top. Did anyone else run into this and have to make a spacer?

[eljessup65]

I had this exact same issue. Went to the local Ace Hardware and got 9/16" Machine spacers (not washers). They have an ID of .575", OD of 1.00" and thickness of 0.70".
I needed at least 2 for each side to insure the castle nut captured the cotter pin correctly.
Hope this helps.

Lee

[CraigS]

If you don't find machine spacers, Grade 8 hardened washers work also. BTW don't get excited about torqueing those nuts. It is nearly impossible to get a socket in there w/ most recommending a crows foot socket. But the best way is pull on your combination wrench as hard as you can. Add a couple of hammer hits if you want or do the doubled wrench trick to get the holes aligned. (box end of a combination wrench on the nut, grab the next size up wrench and hook it's box end into the open end of the original wrench. This about doubles the TQ you can apply). If you ever need to take ball joint apart, you will understand why the TQ on the nut is not real important.