Ball joint questions.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,375
Likes: 1
From: Northern CA
Ball joint/Tie rod end questions.
I'm going to do a polygraphite suspension upgrade on a 96 C4 with 40,000 miles.
What are the best brands of ball joints and tie rod ends ?
Are there any brands that obviously don't make the best list?
What criteria should I use to determine if I should replace joints/ends?
1. Do it, just because you don't want to muck with the suspension again.
2. Follow Shop manual wear criteria.
3. Use one half shop manual wear criteria
Dick
[Modified by xs650, 9:30 PM 12/15/2003]
What are the best brands of ball joints and tie rod ends ?
Are there any brands that obviously don't make the best list?
What criteria should I use to determine if I should replace joints/ends?
1. Do it, just because you don't want to muck with the suspension again.
2. Follow Shop manual wear criteria.
3. Use one half shop manual wear criteria
Dick
[Modified by xs650, 9:30 PM 12/15/2003]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
Re: Ball joint/Tie rod end questions. (xs650)
I used MOOGs for both the upper and lower; bought them from Pep Boys.
The lowers were a really tight fit (rented the installation tool from autoZone for free).
Someone posted recently that his shop wouldn't install the MOOGs because they were .187 (if I remember correctly) too big.
Made a tremendous difference in handling of my car.
Jake
The lowers were a really tight fit (rented the installation tool from autoZone for free).
Someone posted recently that his shop wouldn't install the MOOGs because they were .187 (if I remember correctly) too big.
Made a tremendous difference in handling of my car.
Jake
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
Likes: 673
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Re: Ball joint/Tie rod end questions. (xs650)
Sounds like we're both doing simular mods. I found a local parts shop that will sell me all Moog parts. He is a CarQuest dealer and has some good discounts to offer.
So I'm sticking with Moog for all the joint ends.
BTW what price did you get for the Energy kit?
regards, Steve
So I'm sticking with Moog for all the joint ends.
BTW what price did you get for the Energy kit?
regards, Steve
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 30
From: Oak Harbor WA
Re: Ball joint/Tie rod end questions. (JrRifleCoach)
I bought MOOG components from http://www.rockauto.com good prices and reasonable shipping. Used a arbor press to put in the new lowers. Uppers are fairly easy using a grinder and a center punch.
Consider getting your uppers from Corvette Central. Was a thread a while ago about them only costing $99 each. Bad thing is rubber bushings, but unless you race/autocross, stick with rubber.
Consider getting your uppers from Corvette Central. Was a thread a while ago about them only costing $99 each. Bad thing is rubber bushings, but unless you race/autocross, stick with rubber.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,375
Likes: 1
From: Northern CA
Re: Ball joint/Tie rod end questions. (JrRifleCoach)
So I'm sticking with Moog for all the joint ends.
BTW what price did you get for the Energy kit?
regards, Steve
BTW what price did you get for the Energy kit?
regards, Steve
Suspension, or was that you?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,179
Likes: 673
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Re: Ball joint/Tie rod end questions. (xs650)
Could have been me. I've been watching about three other threads on the subject. I ordered a complete ES (graphite) kit plus front/rear anti-roll bar kits from Summit today. Totaled out at around $225. They had the main kit in stock and the bar kits are special order.
Make sure you measure your bars and not depend on the equipment lists. I have a 26mm front and 24mm rear. That combo does not show in the lists that I referenced.
:thumbs:
Make sure you measure your bars and not depend on the equipment lists. I have a 26mm front and 24mm rear. That combo does not show in the lists that I referenced.
:thumbs:
