problems reinstalling the lower balljoints
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,775
Likes: 4
problems reinstalling the lower balljoints
couple of questions on this, first up should be easy.
these are the bolts that came with the ball joints, does it matter what one gets used on what side? there were no instructions with the kit (usa made moogs, poly, from willcox)
secondly, seating the ball joint its self. i dont mind doing a little over drilling to get new parts to fit, but this seems like the wrong part.
i just put the boot cover over the hole to illustrate the size, since i dont have a set of calipers infront of me at the moment.
now the worst part of that is that the ball joint shaft is even larger yet at its base, when the bj is fully seated. that seems like a dangerously large over drill if you ask me.
these are the bolts that came with the ball joints, does it matter what one gets used on what side? there were no instructions with the kit (usa made moogs, poly, from willcox)
secondly, seating the ball joint its self. i dont mind doing a little over drilling to get new parts to fit, but this seems like the wrong part.
i just put the boot cover over the hole to illustrate the size, since i dont have a set of calipers infront of me at the moment.
now the worst part of that is that the ball joint shaft is even larger yet at its base, when the bj is fully seated. that seems like a dangerously large over drill if you ask me.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,775
Likes: 4
your right, dumb dumb me was trying to put it in upside down. i still need to drill the hole out a hair, but it might just be the paint thats now allowing the joint to go though.
now, i still need to find out about those bolts.
now, i still need to find out about those bolts.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
The bolt with the longer head is a stop. If you study the control arm you'll see the tab that it will hit at full turn. I can't get to mine right now but I'm thinking they go in the rear holes. (Don't take that as fact- my memory ain't that great sometimes)
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,995
Likes: 110
From: Garland Texas
The bolt with the long head is a stop like Tim said. But not on Corvettes. This ball joint also fits old chevies and pick-ups that do use the bolt as a stop. It can go in either hole on the vette.
Mike
Mike
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Sylvania Ohio
instructions say to put the bolt with the stop to the front, but like others said it doesn't matter on a vette. I just did mine a month ago. Just make sure the bolt holes are large enough to take the bolts, NO BIGGER!!! It may be a tight fit, but use a punch or something like that to line the holes up. You DO NOT WANT slop in the holes. that will be a place things wear and you will eventually get a thumping noise.
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Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,775
Likes: 4
interesting you mention that, because my holes were actually a hair too big. i put the bolts in and tightend everything down and it seems nice and tight. theres no movement at all in the balljoint right now, but ill have to keep an eye on that.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
mods to the arm or joints what so EVER....
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Sylvania Ohio
I got my ball joints at Autozone, They said duralast on the box, and had Moog stamped on the part. I checked the price at NAPA, box said napa, part was stamped Moog. 12 dollars more at Napa. Silly to save money on the same exact part? I think not. I don't have a ton of money to spend on my toys, so I need to comparison shop. And Autozone parts have always done just fine for me. But, I don't know everything. And I need to save money.