60-62 ball joints

[CC's 62]

I'm looking at replacing the ball joints on my 62. Does anyone know why CPP wants $39 a piece for uppers and lowers compared to POL wanting $177 for lowers and 68 for uppers? I don't want to spend more than I have to but I also don't want inferior parts either. Does anyone have any experience in this area? Whats your thoughts on all the different brands/companies offering replacement ball joints?

[DakotaKid]

they are specific to the Torsion Bar front end, and as such im sure the demand isnt there. Im sure there is only one company that makes them but is distributed by many companies. if you want to fix them, thats pretty much what your stuck with.

[jrusher]

For my 61 apache 10 napa had my uppers I didnt have to replace thge lowers but i did source some out on the web i cant recall where i found them but i remember they were around $75 a piece

[61ChevyPanel]

I don't plan on selling my truck and I don't want Chinese parts on my Chevy so I paid the extra for Rare Parts RP10111 lower ball joints. They turned out to be made in Taiwan but they are high quality parts. I think the Moog K680 upper ball joints I bought were made in USA but not sure. These were the best stock parts I could find for my '61.

[bhap]

You can still find Moog K681 lower ball joints around - I found some on ebay a couple of months ago.

[verdell]

I just replaced my uppers and lowers with ball joints from a company called "A-Resto Suspension Parts". Looked identical to the worn out ones I took off and so far, no issues. While I was into it, I went ahead and replaced inner and outer tie rod ends as well as the adjuster sleeves and shocks. Old pickup rides and handles a lot better.

[CC's 62]

Originally Posted by 61ChevyPanel

I don't plan on selling my truck and I don't want Chinese parts on my Chevy so I paid the extra for Rare Parts RP10111 lower ball joints. They turned out to be made in Taiwan but they are high quality parts. I think the Moog K680 upper ball joints I bought were made in USA but not sure. These were the best stock parts I could find for my '61.

Thanks 61. ECE has them for $140 each which is cheaper than what I found RP10111 for. I guess I'll give them a call and verify where their lowers come from.

[CC's 62]

Originally Posted by bhap

You can still find Moog K681 lower ball joints around - I found some on ebay a couple of months ago.

Thanks bhap. I checked but didn't find any on ebay currently. I'll keep checking.

[CC's 62]

Originally Posted by verdell

I just replaced my uppers and lowers with ball joints from a company called "A-Resto Suspension Parts". Looked identical to the worn out ones I took off and so far, no issues. While I was into it, I went ahead and replaced inner and outer tie rod ends as well as the adjuster sleeves and shocks. Old pickup rides and handles a lot better.

Thanks verdell. How long have you had the parts from "A-Resto Suspension Parts" on? Good customer service? I'll take a look.

[demian5]

Be smart and swap the cross member out while you are ahead. You will get disc brakes too i you do a 73 and later swap.

And it will cost about the same as buying those Ball Joints...

[CC's 62]

Originally Posted by demian5

Be smart and swap the cross member out while you are ahead. You will get disc brakes too i you do a 73 and later swap.

And it will cost about the same as buying those Ball Joints...

I really like the torsion bar front suspension. I've had this truck for 25 years...it rides well. Plus I've already ordered drop spindles from ECE. Thanks for the advice though.

[verdell]

Originally Posted by CC's 62

Thanks verdell. How long have you had the parts from "A-Resto Suspension Parts" on? Good customer service? I'll take a look.

I ordered the parts and they shipped exactly what I ordered so I haven't had to deal with customer service at all. I've only had them in a couple of months. I'll be driving 5 hours south to the MS Gulf Coast next month so they'll be getting some road time soon. This is my second dropped spindle, torsion bar C10. I have no issues with the T-bars despite what a lot of people say but to each his own. I think if you rebuild the front end, you'll be pleased.

[demian5]

Originally Posted by CC's 62

I really like the torsion bar front suspension. I've had this truck for 25 years...it rides well. Plus I've already ordered drop spindles from ECE. Thanks for the advice though.

I spent a ton of $$ lowering and converting a 60 over to discs with the stock suspension. The torsion bars were even swapped and the shocks were the bump stops. Had so many issues.

[slepysal]

I have no issues with my torsion bar suspension Drop spindles disc brakes easy swap

[Matt's k5]

Originally Posted by CC's 62

I really like the torsion bar front suspension. I've had this truck for 25 years...it rides well. Plus I've already ordered drop spindles from ECE. Thanks for the advice though.

are you running drum brakes on yours? im looking for drop spindles for my 62 can you steer me in the right direction, thanks

[CC's 62]

Originally Posted by Matt's k5

are you running drum brakes on yours? im looking for drop spindles for my 62 can you steer me in the right direction, thanks

I actually just received drop spindles from Early Classic about 2 weeks ago. I have not yet installed them though. Waiting to get new ball joints in. There are several companies selling them. From my research on this forum, I have not come across any negative comments with ECE. I have spoken with Jeff at ECE a few times over the past few weeks ordering parts. He has been very helpful and friendly.
Clint

[Matt's k5]

Originally Posted by CC's 62

I actually just received drop spindles from Early Classic about 2 weeks ago. I have not yet installed them though. Waiting to get new ball joints in. There are several companies selling them. From my research on this forum, I have not come across any negative comments with ECE. I have spoken with Jeff at ECE a few times over the past few weeks ordering parts. He has been very helpful and friendly.
Clint

so they will work with drum brakes? i found my ball joints on ebay they were nos gm and when i pulled the out of the box they have play in them this is a normal for them the play goes away when you add grease so check yours good,
they may just need grease

[CC's 62]

Originally Posted by Matt's k5

so they will work with drum brakes? i found my ball joints on ebay they were nos gm and when i pulled the out of the box they have play in them this is a normal for them the play goes away when you add grease so check yours good,
they may just need grease

No, they will not work with drum brakes. The ones I ordered convert it to discs. As far as I know there isn't a drop spindle that works with drums.

[CC's 62]

Just to update everyone, I went with Rare Parts for the lower ball joints. I ordered them through Early Classic for a total of $300. I did find them at CPP and CJ pony parts for around $40 but I was afraid you get what you pay for. Now it's time to get the originals out. Anyone have any advice as to the EASIEST way to remove them?

[demian5]

Originally Posted by CC's 62

Anyone have any advice as to the EASIEST way to remove them?Attachment 1942202

Just remove loosen the nut attaching to the spindle (but don't remove the nut, only loosen about half way through the threads of the nut) then hammer the spindle to break the ball joint free. Then 3 nuts/bolts holding the lower ball joint to the control arm and you are home free. What will you do about new lower control arm bump stops?

The upper ones you have to grind the rivet heads off.

[CC's 62]

Originally Posted by demian5

Just remove loosen the nut attaching to the spindle (but don't remove the nut, only loosen about half way through the threads of the nut) then hammer the spindle to break the ball joint free. Then 3 nuts/bolts holding the lower ball joint to the control arm and you are home free. What will you do about new lower control arm bump stops?

The upper ones you have to grind the rivet heads off.

Spindles are already off. The lower ball joints have 2 rivets and the one bolt in the center going to the bump stop. Center bolt is out. Just need to get the rivets out. They are stubborn!!!