[pat in Santa Cruz]

in the first place, the cups wear a lot and do not show it. Replacing them will help. Run the nuts up to the spacers, then back them off one or two cotter slots. The gap should be about 1/8th inch. If there is no gap, then the ball is worn. Common band aid repair is to place a hammered washer in there, or one thats pre made from your favorite parts house. Problem is, if the wear is on top, as you have noticed, the washer drops down. The best home made repair is to weld up the ball and file it round. Of course, doing that comfortably means removing the entire front axle. I imagine with a lift it could be done somewhat more easily. You can weld the washer in place on top and grind it smooth too. The radius ball socket bolts wear into the clutch housing too, dropping down so far that when the nuts are tight against the spacers, the cotter hole is too low.