from what i remember back when those cars were new [i have "oldtimers" disease now, so keep that in mind], weren't those pins quite a way from the nut edge ? if so, the nut would have to back off a bunch before the pin would be of any value, and would certainly cause issues suck as "clanking" or "squeak/creaking" sounds some would investigate before the nut would come off. just my old memory at work here, so be gentle please.