MOOG parts- Same # but different?

[rs74]

I just got my front end rebuild done and noticed a few little things. All my parts are Moog but the two top ball joints are a completely different design. Why? The whole thing is different. The top, grease zerk, and the mounting plate that is under the control arm is different. No pics of the mounting plate that goes over the boot. Also on my lower control arm shaft kits the nuts and washers are different.

Not that big of a deal but why have different designs for the same part#. I called Summit where I ordered from and they just told me that it was probably an updated design. Okay if that was the case what is the reason for the updated design. I don't think I am satisfied with his answer. I might call back and get someone else or might even try to get someone from Moog to explain if that is even possible. Anyone else run into this.

[83GMCK2500]

As far as fasteners go, those are both a standard anodized flat washer, looks like they just came form different suppliers. Those are both locking nuts, just two different styles. I would guess that they just switched suppliers for stuff they don't make themselves. As far as the ball joint differences go, no clue...looks like they either increased or decreased grease capacity at some point.

Edit, other option for ball joint difference, the taller one could pass through a control arm in a different application.

[Billy81]

I have had something similar like this happen to me before, it turned out someone had bought MOOG parts from one parts store and then a cheaper brand from another store. They kept the MOOG parts for themselves and then stuck the cheaper brand parts in the MOOG packaging then returned them. I am not saying that is what happened to you but it is a possibility.

[rs74]

I end up calling Federal Mogul and talked to their tech and he said that from what I was describing them that the one with the big raised dome did not sound like their part. Whether that is right or not I don't know. I called Summit back and they are going to ship two more ball joints so I can get a match and then send the other two back.

[rs74]

So I got two new ball joints that Summit sent out to me so I could get a matched set. I don't know what is going on there but this is the third design they have sent me. This is really making me wonder about the rest of the Moog parts that they sent me. I am not quite sure what to think. Check it out. The two they sent me today are a matched set. They are like the one in the second pic.

[INSIDIOUS '86]

The moog problem solver are the best and btw unless it says moog on the part it's not moog
Posted via Mobile Device

[rs74]

Originally Posted by INSIDIOUS '86

The moog problem solver are the best and btw unless it says moog on the part it's not moog
Posted via Mobile Device

I ordered the problem solver in the parts that they were available in and got two of who knows what. I wondered if they all said Moog or problem solver. I am gonna have to go check my steering parts to see if they say Moog. Then come Monday morning I will go back to the body shop and see if the lower ball joints say that or not.

[andrewmp6]

I have seen stuff marked wrong from a few different companies but nothing like that yet.I normally shop locally for my parts just so i can see them now and if any problems change them out today.

[rs74]

Good news is that I went out and checked the rest of the parts. They are all Moog parts. Now I just have to wait til Monday so I can get to the body shop and make sure the lower ball joints are Moog as well.

[esbstuff]

When a parts store changes brands, the parts get rebox.

For example: Oreilly's is selling 'ABC' supension parts. However Oreilly's gets a better deal from 'XYZ' for the same stuff. Instead of destocking 'ABC' parts and filling the shelfs with 'XYZ' parts, the 'XYZ' company will come in with empty boxes, remove all the 'ABC' parts and put them in 'XYZ' boxes and sell them (and warranty them) as 'XYZ' stuff.

This is standard industry pratice. I have seen 2 of our local parts houses do this at one time or another.

This would explain this differance in parts...