TorqueWinsRaces

My broken transmission removal is revealing my worn-out parts. I think I'm going to replace everything...with a new C7!!!! Hah! Anyways...

I need ball joints in the rear. What's the latest wisdom? I researched this, as I do everything, but there is some conflicting information. The biggest conflict being whether the uppers should be replaced as a unit with the A-arm, or just replace the joint itself. I'm leaning towards replacing just the joint.

Hearsay aside, does anybody actually have personal experience with a problem related to replacing the upper ball joint? I understand why Chevy wants people to replace the entire unit, but there seems to be a lot of people who have done it without a problem.

TastyBacon

I pressed in all new Moog uppers and lowers on mine 2 years ago, everything's smooth and tight today. No problems. Easy job with a big c-clamp style ball joint tool and an impact wrench.

Rob 02

I had trouble getting some aftermarket ones in. Then I measured them and they were a few thousandths over sized. The Moog and AC Delco fit fine. If you cant find rear ball joints at your retailer then use front ones (The rear uses the same ball joints).

You might not be able to install the bottom ones if the car is on jack stands with the lower control arms installed due to ground clearance.

TorqueWinsRaces

Apparently the fronts and rears are the same. I was planning on getting the Moog ball joints because they are greasable. I have the car up in the air to remove the transmission, so no problem there.


Thanks for the replies, I'm going to go ahead and replace just the joints and probably the control arm bushings as well.

Rob 02

The OEM rubber bushings are not sold separately. They are cast into the control arms.
AFAIK your only option is polyurethane without replacing the control arms.

TorqueWinsRaces

Thanks. I think I'm going to do something like this (scroll down to the pictures):
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...oint-part.html

Rob 02

I have some poly bushings I have been meaning to install as soon as I can get the down time. My old bushings have gotten soft. Now after an alignment, I am out of caster and camber adjustment and the car doesn't feel well planted. It bump steers from the front and rear.

New control arms cost a small fortune for all 8 and would only last as long as these have.

t56mike

I'm in the same boat. I have everything on hand. Including Viking coilovers. I don't rear tie rods and mine seem sloppy. I guess I'll just break down and get them from Amazon.
I even ordered the ball joint tools to do the job.

TorqueWinsRaces

I just ordered tie rod ends for the rear, upper and lower ball joints all the way around and new sway bar end links. I saved $100 using RockAuto over Amazon. Everything I ordered was Moog. Blew my mind. I've been using RockAuto quite a bit, they have some really competitive pricing.