Early Pinch bolt type front struts - Ball joint issues Options

[bdstone914]

Porsche used the pinch joint ball joint from 1969-1972 on 911's and 914's. They abandoned this design is favor of the taper pin type that was used until 1989 in 911's.
Here is an example of what can happen to these struts as the ball joint pin can wallow out the strut. I do not know the history on this set as I found them when looking for a good pair. The late Cap'n Krusty (John Larson) told he he changed out dozens of these ball joints and struts due to the weak design in the early 70's.
To get away from the early struts on a 914 you need to change struts, rotors, calipers, brake pads, brake backing shields, flex and hard lines.
I you are restoring an early car check your struts. I have also seen the threads for the pinch bolt strip in the housing and a bolt and nut are used.