Relay rod and pitman arm

[John M.]

A couple of questions. The relay rod ball stud is not round; it's oval shaped, 0.900 X 0.975. Is this normal or due to excessive wear? The ball and mating parts look good, no scoring or scratches but the threaded insert was in very tight.
The other question is related to unpainted castings like the pitman arm, steering arm, steering knuckle, differential, spindle support, etc. I have Cast Blast and LI Corvette clear enamel. Which will look better, last longer? Thanks for any advice. It's a 67 convert.

[Gene M.]

Re: Relay rod and pitman arm

The ball on the ball stud should be round. The .075" oval shape that you have sounds to be excessive wear....replace it. I would repack the cleaned up assembly with wheel bearing grease instead of gun grease for more protection against wear. As for the raw cast look the cast spray is the lesser of the two evils in my opinion.