Ball Joint Replacement OOPS....

Author Topic: Ball Joint Replacement OOPS....  (Read 1083 times)

Offline DODGE1933

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Ball Joint Replacement OOPS....
« on: December 14, 2013 - 01:18:18 PM »
Boy I screwed up this time. I’m replacing the upper ball joints in the A-arms for my TA. I remember years ago (about 35 years). I replaced mopar ball joints and remembered they screwed in and were a little tough. In the old days we would just impact them out and back in again. Well this time around I proceeded to do the same thing. Of course this time everything is all power coated and looking good. The power coaters were good about masking off where the bushings press in but not the threads were the ball joints go. So, I had to take a wire wheel and clean them up. Both ball joint started in good and straight and I tightened them in as far as I could with the breaker bar. I then proceeded to finish with the impact. Well Arm 1 went in but would not seat all the way down. It is up about an 1/8” from seating and will not move. Arm 2 did the same thing except when it got close to that 1/8” distance the ball joint striped right out. So, I have a couple of questions. First, could someone tell me the error of my ways? Is there any fix? Will I need to replace One a-arm or both and does anyone re-pop them or know where I can get them? I would prefer to get something new as the threads were kind of tore up on these. But, then again I seem to remember in the past the threads never looked to good.

Thanks in advance.
Dodge1933




Offline Rich G

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Re: Ball Joint Replacement OOPS....
« Reply #1 on: December 14, 2013 - 02:02:36 PM »
You could just run a few beads of welds on them once you have them in all the way. They are not going anywhere once the spindles are on and you wont see them anyway.

Offline Bullitt-

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Offline brads70

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Re: Ball Joint Replacement OOPS....
« Reply #3 on: December 14, 2013 - 02:49:21 PM »
I'd suggest a new arm like in the link from Dave at Roseville but another option is to weld in a new threaded bushing.
http://www.allstarperformance.com/product.htm?prod=1176
Brad
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Offline johns cuda shop

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Re: Ball Joint Replacement OOPS....
« Reply #4 on: December 14, 2013 - 04:18:47 PM »
I agree. I woudn't even mess with that. I would replace the control arms. The great thing is the ball joint and bushing are already installed..  :bigsmile:
71 Cuda Gen III Aluminum 426 Hemi T56 6 speed 4.10 8.75 Modified & Lowered RMS coilover suspension Wilwood discs

Offline DODGE1933

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Re: Ball Joint Replacement OOPS....
« Reply #5 on: December 14, 2013 - 05:00:46 PM »
Thanks everyone for the input. I am going to get a hold of Dave on Monday and make an order for a new set. I will feel more comfortable in the end. :bigsmile:

Offline anlauto

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Re: Ball Joint Replacement OOPS....
« Reply #6 on: December 14, 2013 - 05:05:18 PM »
I've taught you everything you know.....but I haven't taught you everything I know !
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