Got it moving. It is really only the first few inches that are "jammy". And without the tire on there, I can get it moving fairly easily. Once it's out about 3-4 inches, it slides perfectly. Same when sliding it back into place. Great until I get to the last 3 inches or thereabouts and then it binds. And the bow is gone as well.
So I attacked it with a ScotchBrite and some dry silicone lubricant, but I might actually try to go a little farther and do a bit of a metal polish on the exposed end on the street side - I have lots here at home - I also collect Swiss Army Knives and have done some restoration here and there - Mother's works great on the handles. The years of exposure to the elements have made that surface very rough and oxidized. Working up to a 2000 grit polishing pad, followed with some mag/aluminum polish might help a lot.
Calling a welding shop tomorrow to see about getting that extender bracket you worked up Bill.
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2008 2720SL “The Kobayashi Maru”
2006 Toyota 4Runner, SR5, 4L V6
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