Change Lower Ball Joints
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 2,768
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From: Poplar Bluff MO
Change Lower Ball Joints
I have to change the lower ball joints on my 82, what else should I change while I have it apart? Most of the rubber looks a bit aged and cracked but still holding up.
JT
JT
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,650
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From: Indiana
I would change all the bushings, and the upper while there. Even consider new spring if you want stiffer or sagging.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rs-method.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...rs-method.html
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 51
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From: Houston
I did all the bushings, shocks, ball joints, as well as steering joints. Didn't do new springs and wish I had. I used all urethane and they worked well. Far easier to install than removing the old rubber ones. Made a world of difference.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Virginia
If you are going to do the bushings, just go ahead and get new A-arms.
SPC adjustable uppers, and Global West lowers (or VanSteel, your choice). And a set of double-adjustable semi coil-overs to go with them.
Just don't forget the ball joints!
SPC adjustable uppers, and Global West lowers (or VanSteel, your choice). And a set of double-adjustable semi coil-overs to go with them.
Just don't forget the ball joints!
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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WOW! That's not extreme! You could use to replace a handful of bushings. Just purchase all new arms!
No Mate, that's totally not necessary!
No Mate, that's totally not necessary!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 2,768
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From: Poplar Bluff MO
JT
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Race Director
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From: Virginia
Let us know how it goes!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Temple Terrace Florida
Don't forget to order and replace the bumpers under the upper control arms and the bumpers on the top of the lower control arms. Be careful with the spring and if it is removed or replaced, index it correctly. See the AIM. Jerry
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Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 51
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From: Houston
I did the stock control arms, but did replace one as it was bent. The new bushings pressed in easily and went together well with new bolts in most places. If done correctly, you can create a descent ride with the stock parts. Be sure to take photos and label the shim stacks when you take them out (taped together and labeled). Lastly, the bolts holding the upper arms are pressed into place so you have to use the nut to remove and punch them out (on a 78).
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 2,768
Likes: 1,616
From: Poplar Bluff MO
I did the stock control arms, but did replace one as it was bent. The new bushings pressed in easily and went together well with new bolts in most places. If done correctly, you can create a descent ride with the stock parts. Be sure to take photos and label the shim stacks when you take them out (taped together and labeled). Lastly, the bolts holding the upper arms are pressed into place so you have to use the nut to remove and punch them out (on a 78).
Do the upper bolts have some kind of ribs or something that makes it a tight fit? I was assuming that the fan shroud had to come out to get the uppers off...
JT
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2023
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From: Poplar Bluff MO
@Jerry1978 I don't have any room to hit the bolts with a hammer, the passenger side has the fan shroud about 1/4" away from the end and the AC brace is about 1/2" from the end of the rear bolt. The drivers side the power steering pump is about 1/2" from the bolt...
JT
JT
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
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From: Indiana
@Jerry1978 I don't have any room to hit the bolts with a hammer, the passenger side has the fan shroud about 1/4" away from the end and the AC brace is about 1/2" from the end of the rear bolt. The drivers side the power steering pump is about 1/2" from the bolt...
JT
JT
Last edited by interpon; Nov 1, 2024 at 02:45 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 51
Likes: 3
From: Houston
The bolts have ribs on them, like the wheel studs. I mentioned it because I couldn't figure out why they were not moving and pulled on them until I got them to turn. On the other side, I was able to tap them out with the side of a crescent wrench. Had to pull the AC to get the passenger A Arm out, but did not have to mess with the shroud or PS components. I dont recall them being super tight, like a press fit. I expect the ribs are there so the assembler did not have to hod the other end.