upper ball joint boots?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,193
Likes: 156
From: Navarre FL
upper ball joint boots?
Im starting to put my suspension back together and I cant figure out how this boot is supposed to install. Do I slide it over the ball join first and then slide them down through the top, sandwiching the boot between the metal? This seems like the only way the boot will really seal and stay in place. Going up from underneath the boot does not seem that it will stay in place very well. True it will have the spindle stopping it from coming off completely, but it seems you could still get debris in there.
I have searched and couldn't really find anything definite on this subject. Thanks for any help...im sure Ill need much more before its done!
I have searched and couldn't really find anything definite on this subject. Thanks for any help...im sure Ill need much more before its done!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,193
Likes: 156
From: Navarre FL
Interesting write up, thanks. Im replacing the ball joints completely, along with everything else, so the a-arms are still off the car and joints not bolted in yet (still need to enlarge the bolt holes...not sure why they send larger bolts with it??). The car is a 78.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,852
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
The moog (lower and upper) and federal mogal ball joints come with a larger bolt than the original a-arm hole. Just find a set of bolts that fit the hole and you'll be fine. I'm not sure why either, but they have done so for years. My guess... is that possibly when people drill out the old rivet they enlarge the hole.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,272
Likes: 17
I'm sure they are also, but when I rebuilt mine with parts from a different vender, no drilling required. good luck
thinkin back, my kit came with the smaller bolts, it was a no name brand though, probably only last 5-10 years in stead of lifetime.
thinkin back, my kit came with the smaller bolts, it was a no name brand though, probably only last 5-10 years in stead of lifetime.
Last edited by oldalaskaman; Sep 20, 2012 at 10:07 AM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,852
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I'm not really sure why they send larger bolts... makes no sense to me and again I was just guessing. But they have for a long time.
I missed your other question about the boot... Put the joint in the upper arm and bolt it down and you will be fine. The boot stays on and is pinched between the joint and the arm. On original ball joints it was a different story...
Willcox
I missed your other question about the boot... Put the joint in the upper arm and bolt it down and you will be fine. The boot stays on and is pinched between the joint and the arm. On original ball joints it was a different story...
Willcox
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,193
Likes: 156
From: Navarre FL
I think im a little confused here still... Just to confirm,
1...slide the boot over the joint, then drop them both down through the arms and bolt it up, sandwiching the boot in the control arm?
or...
2... bolt naked joint to arm, then slide boot in place?
1...slide the boot over the joint, then drop them both down through the arms and bolt it up, sandwiching the boot in the control arm?
or...
2... bolt naked joint to arm, then slide boot in place?
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,193
Likes: 156
From: Navarre FL
I did. He saw my post as well. For the benefit of others I asked them to reply in this thread. They have been very helpful.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,852
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
On the federal mogul ball joints you received.. I think the boot is left on the joint and installed. Now I'm going to have to check. On the old style moog joints I know you put the joint in then slid the boot on... I just riveted two original joints in last Friday.
Let's hold pat until I can double check this with the shop... I've not installed the USA made FM joints in a long long time... I'd hate to steer you wrong.
Let's hold pat until I can double check this with the shop... I've not installed the USA made FM joints in a long long time... I'd hate to steer you wrong.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
I just installed Moogs in mine. I used option #2 also.
