Update: I took it apart again, removed 1 of the washers from below the knuckle, and that gave it enough space to at least get the snap ring back in place on the top.... However it had to be without the O-ring. Would have had to remove another washer to get the O-ring back in. I understand the importance of the o-ring, and my thoughts now are to try and search for a same diameter gasket, that is thinner than the O-ring, in hope that is serves the same purpose and allows for enough space to still get the snap ring back in place. (Either that or maybe remove some material from the disc-plate that has the zerk fitting screwed in the middle - remove a little bit from the top perimeter, to allow for the snap ring to go back in.
Admittingly, when I removed 1 washer, it allowed the upper needle bearing to drop back down a trigger - such that it is slightly visible.
The bottom line is - the machine is a 1979... this part and area has been worn a bit loose from being run without needle bearings for many years... And I think I am going to have to live with my fix and just hope it lasts for as long as possible. It would be painful for me if the fix doesn't hold up for long.. But I dont know what else to do.. I dont have the means to be welding on material and re-machining it back down to proper spec.
Same goes for the keeper pin. I welded that washer on...to the very outside...because if I didn't, then I could sit there and keep tightening the nut on the other end and it would just continue to pull the keeper pin all the way thru.
I understand it is not perfect. I am trying to picture your fix on that Alrman.. Are you suggesting welding some material onto the flat portion of the keeper pin itself ? And then grinding it back flat ?? Seems like it would be hard to make it such that it still gave a good flat surface -to- flat surface contact..
As is it at least keeps the king pin from spinning. But I am sure there is play.
