To Bob M, D Slater, Wayne Swenson and Billy...remember I mentioned the "spacer" that rode on the bull pinion shaft, which D Slater guessed was a homemade part, which Bob M could not find in his SM Parts Book? The mystery is solved.It's 1/3 of the center section of an old brake disc. Here's the probable scenerio. A brake disc breaks apart due to age and stress. The notched center section, which is about 3/4 inches thick, is really made up of three 1/4-inch pieces tack-welded or riveted together. As the disc breaks apart, the center uncoated metal section separates into its three thicknesses. The outer, "business end" of the disc also separates from the center. The service man removes the debris and fails to notice the one part--1/3 of the center, metal part of the disc, remains on the splined shaft, because it slides into the recess in the bull pinion shaft bearing retainer. He just leaves it there. Either he doesn't notice it or doesn't care. That's the mystery part that created such a stir in this project. I'll follow Bob's advice and not put the maverick part back in when I finish the job. Got the two new seals replaced today. Removing the retainer with a chisel and several stout screwdrivers was the ticket. Tomorrow I'll replace the cleaned up actuator assembly, plus the new discs, and the job will be done. Thanks again to all who helped me with this project. David
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