5/16" bolt in a 3/8" hole for upper ball joints? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 02-25-2019, 11:41 PM

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

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

**kwmech** · 02-26-2019, 01:31 AM

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

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 02-26-2019, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwmech

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

Thanks a bunch.

toolboxchev · 02-26-2019, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

Thanks a bunch.

Use some Red Locktite on them!

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 02-26-2019, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toolboxchev

Use some Red Locktite on them!

Ooooooooops, too late

Installed the spindles and coils today.

**Steeveedee** · 02-26-2019, 11:50 PM

You used lock washers, right?

**kwmech** · 02-27-2019, 01:26 AM

all the ones I've installed had were locking

toolboxchev · 02-27-2019, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

Ooooooooops, too late

Installed the spindles and coils today.

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

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 02-27-2019, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

You used lock washers, right?

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by toolboxchev

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

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

B. W. · 02-27-2019, 04:22 PM

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.

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 02-27-2019, 08:22 PM

Interesting. I'll check on occasion, see if it moves. The beauty of recording the torque setting

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

I'll never use it.

02-25-2019, 11:41 PM	#1
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,386	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 Is this common? are they the wrong ball joints? Install as-is works fine?Thanks. __________________ Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assembly guide (kit) for restoring this truck from the ground up, complete with details including full hardware descriptions. Much of the info. applies to all 67-72 GM. My build thread, with some info. about the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025

02-26-2019, 01:31 AM	#2
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,724	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

02-26-2019, 11:50 PM	#6
Steeveedee Who Changed This? Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 10,968	Re: 5/16" bolt in a 3/8" hole for upper ball joints? You used lock washers, right? __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

02-27-2019, 01:26 AM	#7
kwmech Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Colfax-California Posts: 8,724	Re: 5/16" bolt in a 3/8" hole for upper ball joints? all the ones I've installed had were locking

02-27-2019, 04:22 PM	#10
B. W. Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Bigfork, Montana Posts: 1,137	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.

02-27-2019, 08:22 PM	#11
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,386	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 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 ofI'll never use it. __________________ Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assembly guide (kit) for restoring this truck from the ground up, complete with details including full hardware descriptions. Much of the info. applies to all 67-72 GM. My build thread, with some info. about the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025



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