That'* a good idea, so simple. A little lubricant always helps.. I've been yanking on that with pliers so much I'm going have to do some brazing for repair . Thought for sure that there had to be a clip holding it in,

this is what mine looked like. not much metal left after the O ring. I think I actually used some sealant along with a new O ring when I put it back together.

Yup, definitely rusted in there. I'm always amazed at the power of rust holding things together. I've lost hours that I will never get back bc of rust. Tx for pic.

Rust repair and prevention is a whole coarse.

About that. manufacturers could care less.

Appreciate all the help. It was a bugger but tubes in pretty good shape for 1992

Looks good.

I heard the 3.8 engines don't last? No?

They hold up pretty well.

I suppose regular maintenance has a lot to do with it.
I'm a stickler with that I even keep a log book(pocket sized)in the glove box for everything even for changing air filter and lubing the vehicle.
I also write in filter, wiper numbers etc. so when I go to buy more I don't have to look it up. Oil filter numbers I can remember.