[scottz]

Can anyone think of a good reason the factory welded the slip joint on the tie bar that connects the two gear packs? It was actually just a tack weld, but caused me grief getting things apart. I ground the weld off and am now wondering if I should tack weld it again when everything is back in place. I see no reason for it.

I pulled one of the packs off yesterday and found that I could hardly turn the shaft; it took a hammer to get things apart. Now I'll be taking the other three out and servicing them. You're right Chuck, this is something that needs to be looked at every couple years. When I put this gear pack back together, I used some washers to keep the gear from moving off the track; photos to follow. I still can't account for why there is so much slop in it.

Thanks for everyone's help.