Got the rest of the plastic painted yesterday. HoseB did all the spraying on it since he seems to do a really good job at it, at least he's way better than I am at it. Looks fantastic, especially compared to how faded it had become since 3 1/2 years ago when it was first done.

I still have the front suspension taken apart, but I'm on the passenger side now. I'm going to take a closer look at the lower swingarm front bushing tomorrow, as I have my doubts it needs to be replaced like Joel at the alignment shop seemed to think.

Got the races in the hub already. I really suggest putting those things in the freezer before installing them, as it really makes them go in so much easier than when the old ones come out, so that slight difference in size while cold makes a difference. The Aisin cleaned up a lot easier on this side, too, and the paint is on it and the bolts.

Got my latest box of parts from RockAuto on Saturday, which was a surprise, because I didn't think FedEx did residential deliveries on Saturdays, like UPS doesn't. So, I have my ball joint to put in tomorrow. Got the old one separated already and this time I used the hammer technique of rapping the knuckle, and sure enough, it popped it loose without having to use the pickle fork. Pretty cool.

My lower ball joints are ungreasable, at least the driver's side is. The zerk is just off center from the hole that lets you get the gun fitting on there and I can't unscrew the stupid zerk to get extended zerks installed, which I have. I may have to loosen the bolts and try to move it slightly, as it's not doing them any favors to be ungreased. Using a grease needle isn't the best answer, either.

I'm going to try to replace the alternator through the passenger side tomorrow. The thing squeals the heck out of the belt at start up when under heavy electrical load, and the belt is tight, so I know it's near its end. I've had troubled with it for years of unsteady output, too, where sometimes I see 12 volts on the gauge, sometime more like 14. It always gets lower when the truck is hot. I'll have to switch the pulley over to the new one because my reman unit didn't come with one. Sounds like they aren't pressed on (thanks for the text, Toasty), so for once I shouldn't have to buy yet another tool at Harbor Freight tomorrow.

John B.