Is my Ball Joint Broken?
 

1962 1/2 ton - My lower ball joint shaft rotates 360 degrees... when I try and tighten the nut, the whole shaft turns. I've had people say just put pressure on it until it seats on the spindle, etc. but then again half the people say ITS BROKE, and it's not supposed to rotate 360 degrees, and that I need to replace it $$$$$$. Does anybody know if these older Ball Joints are supposed to rotate like this? or am I going to have to replace them. Any Suspension/Brake people out there that can give me any suggestions.:waah:

Re: Is my Ball Joint Broken?
 

No, it's gonna rotate. It's just that if it rotates REAL easy, it needs replaced. Could you rotate it by hand before you put it in?

Re: Is my Ball Joint Broken?
 

YES, It actually rotates pretty easily by hand.

Re: Is my Ball Joint Broken?
 

You should probably replace it, then as it's getting worn ball joints aren't very expensive I think only like $20. You could also install the one you've got and have a friend give the tire a good shake by pushing and pulling on the bottom of it. While they're doing that look at the lower ball joint and if you can see the spidle moving around in relation to the lower A-arm it is DEFINATELY time to replace it. Otherwise just get it done as soon as you find the time.

Also remember that your lower ball joint is what holds up the front of your truck! :eek:

Re: Is my Ball Joint Broken?
 

Unfortunately, Lower Ball joints for this year truck cost $145 to $189 each, so if I don't have to replace them, it's a GOOD THING:metal:

Re: Is my Ball Joint Broken?
 

not broken, but worn out . you should change it

Re: Is my Ball Joint Broken?
 

And if you loose a front wheel on the highway it's a ver, very bad thing.
I would do some checking around. I bet you can find them alot cheaper.

Re: Is my Ball Joint Broken?
 

Alright I did some shopping and they are expensive. It seems they are very different from later years. maybe it's time to step up to coil springs?

Re: Is my Ball Joint Broken?
 

sailed2japan is right. get rid of the torsion bar set up . and upgrade

Re: Is my Ball Joint Broken?
 

Upgrade... upgrade... upgrade... upgrade.. upgrade... :metal: You can pretty much get the whole later model crossmember for the price of one ball joint.

Re: Is my Ball Joint Broken?
 

i paid 80 bucks for 2 off of ebay for my 62 i have had them on for 2 years with no problems they were a pain in the ass to remove though