lower control bottom pinch bolt

When I took mine apart to replace the axle I noticed that the threads all along the shaft were grated smooth. Given where this comes from and the way it goes up against the pivot;; do yo think this is normal or should it be replaced?
Thanks Jeff

*note to The Pun----this has nothing to do with my 4.9 so shut up.

Are you sure that they're worn smooth, or just plain not there?

Every pinch bolt I've ever removed has only had threads at the tail end, where it protrudes through the knuckle & accepts a nut. The remainder of the bolt has been smooth, including the area which would contact the ball joint's spindle.

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his: 1985 2M6 SE
mostly stock, but becoming more my creation than GM's with each passing day

hers: 1984 2M4
upgrade to 86 wiring, Duke, and Isuzu in progress

Are you talking about the clamp bolt for the Lower Ball Joint?

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4.9 Caddy in Garage! Car in Driveway! ACK!
HURRICANE!!! SEND RUBBER RAFTS!!!!!

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http://home.cfl.rr.com/fierose
Central Florida Fieros
http://www.centralfloridafieros.org

so---it is a pinch bolt which holds the spindle to the lower control arm and mine is chewed
is this normal? or should I replace it?

The ball joint shaft has a half-moon shaped divet where that bolt goes through. If that divet isn't perfectly lined up with the bolt hole in the knuckle (not just up/down, but rotationally as well), it can damage the bolt threads when you remove or install the bolt.