How important are the Grease fittings on the front axle Beam

[wildwestrider]

I'm replacing the torsion arm/ball joint assemblies on the front of my 73 sand rail frame. It was pointed out to me that one of the prior owners had welded up what used to be holes for the front axle/beam grease fittings on the torsion arm/spring tubes.

How important are these? It looks like he welded them up because the frame clamped on to the beam assembly right where the grease fitting should be.....or right next to it at least. I've also noticed that the frame does appear to be free to move back and forth on the torsion tubes/Beam/front axle assy.

Would cleaning and greasing the needle bearings that the torsion arms rest in by hand before re-assembly be sufficient, or,....should I figure out some way to relocate the grease fittings,..drill and tap new holes and insert grease fittings? Should I do both torsion arm/spring tubes (upper and lower?)

Anyone happen to know the drill bit and tap size for a grease fitting?

Brian in Cedar Park.

[BrianB]

You can probably do with out but a drill and tap are cheap and it shouldnt take long to do.