I would take it to R-M and let Rick put the Critter on his lift and check the front end out ,ball joints ,tie rod ends,  drag link. steering box, etc,etc seeing that you don't know the proper names of all that stuff. He does and can tell you what to do.

There's a kit to repair the piviot that doesn't cost too much . . . but if you've never done it, it's a real b***h to install!  Tie rods and the drag link are easy.  Ball joints can be done at home without a press if you have a good side grinder, lots of disc, a good hack saw, a BIG hammer, lots of determination and don't mind working your butt off for hours and hours . . . and hours . . . and more hours.  When you get through, you still have take it and get it lined up.

In other words, it is possible to most of the front end work yourself, but speaking from the "been there, done that" department . . . pay a good mechanic to do it for you!

Is this the parts that would be needed to fix the above

Swivel Pin Kit Centre of Axle

http://www.machine7.com/section.php?xSec=473

http://www.justkampers.com/shop/type_2_bay/type-2-bay-original-vehicle-parts/steering/mechanical-components/swivel-pin-kit-centre-of-axle.html

Yep, that kit has all the parts to repair the swing lever.  I got mine from CIP1.com a couple of years back when I repaired Homer the Super Bus.

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=VWC%2D211%2D498%2D171%2DA

The old bushings are a real pain to remove and its pretty easy to damage the new ones installing them if you get in a hurry.  Read up on the proceedure before you start, have a manual with you while you are doing it and take your time.  It's not an impossible DIY project, but it's not easy.

Well, I broke down and took the bus to Rick this morning. Good to see that he is staying busy over there. Now I wait and see how it goes.

Just add a few water cooled and some vendors and we could have Bug-a-Paluza 12 :lol:

One more