Lower Ball Joint Fell Out

[C4 Metal Werks]

We replaced the upper and lower ball joints when we installed the air bags on my 66 and this morning the right front came out of the spindle and the left side cotter pin is broken and twisted in a way that could not happen even if the nut came loose. I'm a little worried. Anyone else had this issue?

I'm thankful that I was in a parking lot when this happened.

[PGSigns]

Did you make sure the joints you installed matched the taper on the spindles that were in the truck. Sounds like the ball joints are moving in the taper and beating the nut off the end of the ball joint.
Jimmy

[lolife99]

I agree.
What year balljoints?
What year spindles?

[chevyrestoguy]

^^Like what Keith is getting at, It sounds like you might have a parts mismatch between the balljoint and spindle. I've been messing with GM cars for 30 years, and I have never seen a balljoint come out of the spindle. Are you running stock control arms? When you ran the balljoint nuts down, did you snug them up tight, then back off the nut to the nearest castlation to get the cotter key installed? Were the balljoints full of grease? Basic questions, I know, but I had to ask.

The taper that PGSigns is talking about is vital to keeping the interference fit between the spindle and the balljoint. Do you by chance know if anyone has modified the spindles?

Also, if you do rebuild the front again, don't skimp on balljoints and buy the cheapest stuff. Spend a little extra and get the right ones....Moog. Made in the USA, pretty rare nowadays.