The clamps could have been my folley, I've re-installed them again, and we will see how things go. Unfortunately, all the mileage I've been able to put on since the install has been down the street to my parking space for it...
(
Important steps that I have now memorized:
Remove Wheel
Remove joint guard held in place by the two front-most bolts over the king-pin and the two below it.
--Note, the rear bolts are not required to be removed.
--also note, this CAN be done without removing the wheel and guard but it is a SERIOUS pain in the ass to do, and I'll never do it like that again
have beer
remove old boots and clamps
have beer
clean, re-pack everything
put the inner boot section into the CLEAN and grease-free slot and clamp it, ensuring the clamp locking nut and bolt are at the top, and the nylock nut is facing forward.
Note, the word "TOP" and make sure it is actually on top
Silicone the zipper, let dry and leave a small, light-weight clamp on the boot to keep it weighted and pulled free of the grease
Have beer, play x-box 360
After the silicone dries, install outer clamp, again, nylock nut forward and on top
Clean 10 lbs of grease off the inside of the wheels, axles, yourself
beer me
install guard, wheel
swear and cuss that you forgot your digital camera to document the work
Pretty simple process actually, but if you haven't done them before, you'll have a hell of a time unless you have the grooves cleaned and dried, the wheel and guard removed, and most especially the right tools:
Pliers
Vice Grips
Phillips and flat blade screw drivers
deep socket matching the nylock nuts on the clamps or a cresent wrench
1-1/2" impact socket on a 3/4" driver
3/4" socket on a 3" extension 1/2" drive
1 small can of grease for each ball joint
1 roll of those blue shop towels
oil & grease emlusifier
