5/16" bolt in a 3/8" hole for upper ball joints?
 

71 C-10


Just getting ready to install the upper ball joints when I noticed the Moog parts uses 5/16" bolts.

The old rivets were 3/8". The A-arms are a tight 3/8", they were powder coated. It wouldn't take much to drive a 3/8" bolt. That said the ball joint plates won't take a 3/8" bolt. So by using 5/16" bolts there's some slop in the A-arm.

Maybe it doesn't matter, thanks to a nut and cotter pin? Heck I don't know:lol:

Is this common? are they the wrong ball joints? Install as-is works fine?Thanks.

Re: 5/16" bolt in a 3/8" hole for upper ball joints?
 

I've noticed that also, just get them tight and it's going to be aligned anyways. Once the pressure is on I don't think it's going to move

Re: 5/16" bolt in a 3/8" hole for upper ball joints?
 

Thanks a bunch.

Re: 5/16" bolt in a 3/8" hole for upper ball joints?
 

Use some Red Locktite on them!

Re: 5/16" bolt in a 3/8" hole for upper ball joints?
 

Ooooooooops, too late:lol: Installed the spindles and coils today.

Re: 5/16" bolt in a 3/8" hole for upper ball joints?
 

You used lock washers, right?

Re: 5/16" bolt in a 3/8" hole for upper ball joints?
 

all the ones I've installed had were locking

Re: 5/16" bolt in a 3/8" hole for upper ball joints?
 

I believe it was in the installation specs to use the locktite. No biggie it can be redone if you so chose.

Re: 5/16" bolt in a 3/8" hole for upper ball joints?
 

Yes, comes with the kit. The bolts are fine thread too.

May be in a manual someplace. Moog mentions nothing about thread locker.

Re: 5/16" bolt in a 3/8" hole for upper ball joints?
 

If you used lock washers you're good, no need to add thread locker. If, for peace of mind, you want to add thread locker, Permatex or Loctite (can't remember which, maybe both) make a penetrating grade that can be applied after installation.

Re: 5/16" bolt in a 3/8" hole for upper ball joints?
 

Interesting. I'll check on occasion, see if it moves. The beauty of recording the torque setting:chevy: Should be easy enough to change later.

My boys showed up yesterday, and the extra 400 lbs + the engine made it easy to install stock height coils, no compressor required. Looks like I have a compressor to get rid of:lol:I'll never use it.