Lower Ball Joint Install Question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 294
Likes: 1
From: Racine Wisconsin
Lower Ball Joint Install Question
I have taken the entire front suspension off and now I'm replacing all bushings and joints, etc. I have a bit of confusion about the lower ball joint attachment to the lower control arm. During the dissassembly, I removed the previously-replace ball joint. The 5/16"-24 bolt with the large head was on the rear of the a-arm. That is opposite to the swaybar connector. The instructions for installing the replacement ball joint is to have the bolt with the "large head" on the front side of the a-arm. The assembly manual doesn't provide any assistance on this. Could it be the ball joint bolts were installed incorrectly; or are the instructions backwards? Thanks
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Bakersfield CA.
on my 75 the rear of the lower A-Arm has a stub welded onto it that hits the stub that's formed into the steering arm. I put the big round thick head bolt on the front when I did mine a couple of months ago.
Geez now ya have me hoping that this is right?. I think it is. 
hope this helps.
Geez now ya have me hoping that this is right?. I think it is. hope this helps.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 4
From: Slidell La
I could be mistaken on this, but on mine the original joints were riveted in and the rivets were cut off to install new ones. I think yours were previously replaced which is why you see the bolts. Not an issue if the replacements line up with the same holes. Just inspect for cracks on the control arm and if ok,, install the new joint. 99 Nassau Blue
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Ware Shoals South carolina
I just replaced all of my front suspension components and like you said the large head bolt is stated to go in the front. I have had no problems with it this way. The original that I removed was rivets that I ground off.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Originally Posted by damoperator
I just replaced all of my front suspension components and like you said the large head bolt is stated to go in the front. I have had no problems with it this way. The original that I removed was rivets that I ground off.
The larged headed bolt goes in the front, the rear already has a stop.
