A fairly common problem. Many times caused by someone looking for a convenient place to hook a tow chain--the bracket or the bar is not it in case there were any questions from anyone. Commonly done though because it looks strong and is easy to reach.
Some have straightened the upper brackets and others have bought and modified a more modern universal type bracket. Big Kev has some pictures on his blog for one he used. Steele has the new upper and lower bushings if yours are in sad shape and there is another type here
https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?post_id=89861#forumpost89861 As to the clip on lower arm, it can be a PIA to work with. It is a hard tempered spring steel and somewhat brittle. The retaining tangs on the top are prone to break off if not removed and installed with a bit of finesse. Suggest reading thru SC 25 #7
https://www.packardinfo.com/xoops/html/downloads/SC/SC-VOL25NO7.pdf on the removal and replacement.
Another picture of the tool is in SC 25 #5. Retainer can be serviced without the tool but much easier and less chance of damage to work with one. Fairly easy to make with a regular C clamp and some scrap steel or wood. Just grind the jaw a bit to curve it so it won't slide off the retainer curve and use a thickness of shim material to keep the tangs forward in the slots.
This Post was from: https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?post_id=96047