Upper Ball Joint Installation
 

I have a 71 2WD with disc brakes and am trying to replace the upper ball joint. I have already removed the factory ball joint, but when I install the new one I can still see some of the ball joint's shaft showing between the upper control arm and steering knuckle.

I tried using a ball joint press but damaged the ball joint in the process, and was told by an O'Reilly Auto employee that the upper ball joint does not need to be pressed in, and should go into place when being bolted on.

Secondly, it looks like the hole for the cotter pin is going to be quite a bit below the cotter pin nut..

Any thoughts and/or advice?

Re: Upper Ball Joint Installation
 

The upper ball joint is bolted in. You have to grind the rivets off the orginal ball joint, then the new ball joint bolts to the upper a-arm.

Re: Upper Ball Joint Installation
 

You will need to ensure that you have the correct ball joint for the spindle that you are using. Are your spindles stock? WHat manufacturer and part number are the ball joints?

Re: Upper Ball Joint Installation
 

Yeah I've got that part, but am having trouble with the spindle that inserts into the steering knuckle. How did you get yours properly seated?
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Upper Ball Joint Installation
 

Darkhorse: My suspension is all stock at the moment, and the ball joint is MasterPro part K6124 http://m.oreillyauto.com/mt/www.orei...ord=ball+joint
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Upper Ball Joint Installation
 

You may have the wrong year ball joint.

Over the weekend I tried to put a 72 spindle on my 68 and I have exactly the same symptoms you are talking about. The upper ball joint bolt doesn't sit down inside the spindle completely to fit.

Re: Upper Ball Joint Installation
 

Interesting. Ill double check it. So I'm not nuts though.. this thing should taper into the hole without using an extreme amount of pressure right?
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Upper Ball Joint Installation
 

The ball joint has to match the spindle.
So does the outer tie rod.

Breaks down as follows:
63-70
71-72
73-87

Re: Upper Ball Joint Installation
 

One more tip.When you put the bolts in,the nuts go on top of the control arm.The heads of the bolts are thinner and wont interfere with the ball joint like they will if you put them nuts down.