SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER SC-04-11/81

CATEGORY:   SAFETY CAMPAIGN

ATTENTION:  ALL DMC DEALERS/SERVICE MANAGERS

SUBJECT:    RECALL ACTION RA-0001
            NUTS FOR BALL JOINTS/BALL JOINTS
            ALTERNATE REPAIR PROCEDURES


Please observe the following when performing the repairs:

Ball Joint Nuts Part No. SP 10179

The repair kit contains 4 ball joint nuts.  However, due to supply
problems, a small number of kits may contain nuts that are slightly
higher (11mm instead of 9mm).  The higher nut (11mm) is usable,
however, difficulties may be encountered when drilling the hole for
the cotter pin after installing the nut on the upper ball joints.
Due to the height of the nut, the drilled hole may be too close to
the end of the ball joint stud which is case hardened and has a
tapered hole.  This condition may hamper drilling or cause breakage
of the drill bit - cautious drilling may overcome this problem.

Part No. SP 10179, 9mm high nuts may be ordered through the DMC
Parts Department.

Lower Ball Joint Threads

On a few vehicles lower ball joints with a larger diameter thread
may be encountered, and the nuts supplied with the kit will not fit.

Option A:  Obtain locally Grade 1, zinc plated castellated nuts
           1/2 inch x 20 UNF.

Option B:  Order nut through DMC Parts Department by description.

NOTE:  The lower ball joint threaded stud may already be drilled,
       and in some cases the castellated nut cutouts may have to
       be filed deeper to allow insertion of a cotter pin.  Do not
       over-torque to obtain clearance for the cotter pin, and do
       not drill a second hole in the ball joint stud.

       In extenuating circumstances, the ball joints may be replaced.

Ball Joints From Spare Parts Stock

When installing any ball joints from parts stock, care should be
taken to secure such ball joints as outlined in the campaign
procedures.
                                                          Continued...

                                                    Issued 11/25/81

                                                        Service Bulletin SC-04-11/81
                                                        RECALL ACTION RA-0001
                                                        Page 2


Information regarding disposition of ball joints in spare parts stock will
follow in the near future.

Please inform all personnel concerned accordingly.



Lutz Feuerabendt
Warranty Manager

LF:mc