Ball joint Spinning... lowering job - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

75stepside · 06-25-2005, 06:38 PM

Putting in a set of drop springs today and when putting my suspension back together, the lower ball joint spins a little when tightening the castle nut... should i reach for the impact? is this normal?

SCOTI · 06-25-2005, 07:37 PM

Usually when the BJ spins, it's a sign of wear. It should be replaced. The cost of a new ball joint can be far less than the damage caused by one that fails while driving down the road.

That being said . . ..... if you wish to continue, 'tap' on the spindle to try to seat the BJ stud a little more. That should grip the stud better & keep it from spinning.

SSC's76 · 06-25-2005, 10:06 PM

I'd replace it just to be safe. Ever see a ball joint fail? I'm sure that $30 for a new one would offset the cost of a tow and possible damage

jermasaurus · 06-25-2005, 10:19 PM

If you must get it back together for now, use a C clamp to hold the spindel to the control arm.
-Jeremy

*1FaastC10* · 06-26-2005, 03:44 AM

i'm sorry, but that has to be the dumbest thing i have ever heard. suspension, especially on the steer end of the trucks is one of the 2 things that you should not compromise, no matter what the circumstances. the other being brakes.

75stepside · 06-26-2005, 11:08 AM

what is the best way to pop the ball joints out?

75stepside · 06-26-2005, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riptide's 78p/u

most parts stores have a special press u can rent to pop it out..and pop the new one in...its an interference fit..so u need to press the old one out.and the new one in....just dont take a hammer to it!..unless u feel like replacing ur lower control arms.....

ya, i realize the press in and out... so, its probably easiest to just take the lower control arms totally off...???

SCOTI · 06-26-2005, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 75stepside

ya, i realize the press in and out... so, its probably easiest to just take the lower control arms totally off...???

No. Just contact your nearest parts house that rents tools. They should have a 'C-clamp' style BJ tool that will pop the old one out & then w/a few changes of the dies, press the new one in.

Pulling the arm off the truck might make things easier to work on, but it's not mandatory.

Slonaker · 06-26-2005, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTI

No. Just contact your nearest parts house that rents tools. They should have a 'C-clamp' style BJ tool that will pop the old one out & then w/a few changes of the dies, press the new one in.

Pulling the arm off the truck might make things easier to work on, but it's not mandatory.

I did both of mine on the truck with the press. You can bottow one from most of the parts stores around here, or buy one at Harbor Freight when they go on sale, like I did. It makes the job pretty easy.

Slonaker

06-25-2005, 06:38 PM	#1
75stepside Proud Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 741	Ball joint Spinning... lowering job Putting in a set of drop springs today and when putting my suspension back together, the lower ball joint spins a little when tightening the castle nut... should i reach for the impact? is this normal?

06-25-2005, 07:37 PM	#2
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,071	Usually when the BJ spins, it's a sign of wear. It should be replaced. The cost of a new ball joint can be far less than the damage caused by one that fails while driving down the road. That being said . . ..... if you wish to continue, 'tap' on the spindle to try to seat the BJ stud a little more. That should grip the stud better & keep it from spinning. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

06-25-2005, 10:06 PM	#3
SSC's76 No No Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Pueblo Colorado Posts: 1,781	I'd replace it just to be safe. Ever see a ball joint fail? I'm sure that $30 for a new one would offset the cost of a tow and possible damage __________________ 1976 Custom Deluxe SWB Med FMB.3/4 Drop. Gen VI 454, Muncie HD 3 speed With Modified OE Hurst Shifter, 3.73 12 bolt, GMPP HO roller cam, Hooker headers, Performer intake with modified Q-jet, Accel distributor. Best 1/4 12.3 @108. Funnest run 19.84 @88 full 1/4 mile burn out. 1997 K1500 ext cab 5.7 stock except muffler

06-25-2005, 10:19 PM	#4
jermasaurus Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: New Lenox, IL Posts: 442	If you must get it back together for now, use a C clamp to hold the spindel to the control arm. -Jeremy

06-26-2005, 03:44 AM	#5
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,399	i'm sorry, but that has to be the dumbest thing i have ever heard. suspension, especially on the steer end of the trucks is one of the 2 things that you should not compromise, no matter what the circumstances. the other being brakes.

06-26-2005, 11:08 AM	#6
75stepside Proud Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 741	what is the best way to pop the ball joints out?



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