should my lower ball joint boot be compressed after install?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
should my lower ball joint boot be compressed after install?
So I just installed my left side a-arms as part of front rebuilt. This is my first time. Just installed spindle and upper ball joint boot looks good. However, the lower ball joint boot is compressed pretty good. Using the rubber boots that came with ball joints. Have not filled with grease yet. Is this how the lower boot should look before grease?
Jim
Jim
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
No, came with two standard type bolts. I noticed on pics of other ball joints the bolt with the larger than normal head. How critical is that bolt?
Pro
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 581
Likes: 5
From: BC
These ball joints were used on all the full size chevrolets of the day and those used the head of the bolt as a travel stop. I can't remember off hand, but I think the Corvettes used a different stop, maybe a bracket welded to the control arm. Probably okay, but thought I would mention the check.
Steve g
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
I don't think it's needed at all, but to confirm when you put your steering arm on look for the stop to it's travel.
These ball joints were used on all the full size chevrolets of the day and those used the head of the bolt as a travel stop. I can't remember off hand, but I think the Corvettes used a different stop, maybe a bracket welded to the control arm. Probably okay, but thought I would mention the check.
Steve g
These ball joints were used on all the full size chevrolets of the day and those used the head of the bolt as a travel stop. I can't remember off hand, but I think the Corvettes used a different stop, maybe a bracket welded to the control arm. Probably okay, but thought I would mention the check.
Steve g
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
The Corvette uses a stop welded to the rear of the control arm that the spindle arm stops against. As Steve said, the bolt stop is used on other arms such as a Chevelle.
If the stop bolts are mounted toward the rear there is no problem, but mounted towards the front, it can hit the flange of the control arm and depending on the suspension position can reduce the full turn radius.
I usually just reuse one older bolt if only the stop bolt is supplied.
BTW, your install looks good.
If the stop bolts are mounted toward the rear there is no problem, but mounted towards the front, it can hit the flange of the control arm and depending on the suspension position can reduce the full turn radius.
I usually just reuse one older bolt if only the stop bolt is supplied.
BTW, your install looks good.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
The Corvette uses a stop welded to the rear of the control arm that the spindle arm stops against. As Steve said, the bolt stop is used on other arms such as a Chevelle.
If the stop bolts are mounted toward the rear there is no problem, but mounted towards the front, it can hit the flange of the control arm and depending on the suspension position can reduce the full turn radius.
I usually just reuse one older bolt if only the stop bolt is supplied.
BTW, your install looks good.
If the stop bolts are mounted toward the rear there is no problem, but mounted towards the front, it can hit the flange of the control arm and depending on the suspension position can reduce the full turn radius.
I usually just reuse one older bolt if only the stop bolt is supplied.
BTW, your install looks good.
Jim
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,030
Likes: 17
From: White Pine / Dandridge TN
The ball joints are made by a company called XRF Chassis. They cut their teeth making ball joints for logging trucks in Canada. Founder and his brother used to work for Moog. Muskegon Brake informed me they have been using them for nearly 15 years. Found lots of good info on them on the web plus the price was nice.
Jim
