After ordering a NOS steering arm (thanks, John), I now see that the original knuckle bolt holes are not originally 9/16ths, but have been wollered out to that size
I'm looking for a used, but use-able upper/lower driver side knuckle from a 3/4T that has solid holes/threads for a 1/2in bolt/stud that secures the steering arm.
I received a beautiful one from Mr. Bizal- NOS with good, original, OD paint. We didn't even repaint it to match the rest of the truck. I went with (4) Grade 8 bolts, but they aren't the originals...
I'm attempting to learn why my bolts may be inadequate when compared to the originals? They are tasked with securing the right bearing pre-load of the knuckle and the securing of the steering arm at the same time,
grade 8 bolts are just fine. they didn't have the grading system we use today back in WW2 but they did have bolts of varying strengths. They called most bolts on these trucks "mild steel" which is about the same as a modern day grade 5. Grade 5 in the US is the minimum strength required by law for fasteners on vehicles. The quality of the original bolts I have found to be excellent. But running modern grade 8 are as good. I have noticed though that the thread fit on the chinese bolts is always on the sloppy side. original bolts run a tighter spec.
The reason I had to get a new knuckle was because the previous owner elongated the holes in the steering arm, which elongated the holes in the top knuckle half. He then used studs of mis-matched sizes . Oh well, he got'r dunn!
Ill look around. another possibility is if you still have the bolts from a bottom cap you could switch? I think they are the same length. the caps don't have the same forces on them like the steering arm cap does.