Help with lower ball joint & Tie rod end - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

kolle_hond · 12-23-2025, 02:53 AM

Hey everyone,
I took off my spindles to try and figure out how to re-do the disc brake conversion that got stolen off my truck, and have now put them back on.
The issue is that I have two pieces that won't fasten properly, I can get the nut back on up to a certain part, then the thread just spins around with the nut, not letting me fasten it any further.
Any idea how I can maybe clamp it with a vice grip or something in order to fasten them? I don't currently have the money to replace the parts and they are difficult to find here in South Africa.

**raggedjim** · 12-23-2025, 10:21 AM

Can you get an impact wrench on it? Sometimes an impact wrench will get them started. Also make sure your threads are in good condition.

If that doesn't work you may be able to find a way to apply pressure to the top of the joint, just need enough pressure to overcome the thread torque (clean threads with a bit of lube may help).

Good luck, Rg

**geunther** · 12-23-2025, 11:01 AM

You also might be able to tap up on the LCA with a rubber mallet to help seat the tapers to give you the friction needed for the threads to do their job.

**LockDoc** · 12-23-2025, 11:03 AM

-
I'm with Roger on this. Clean those threads and the inside of the nut with a small wire brush and put a small amount of lube on them. Do not get any lube on the tapered stud. In fact, I would clean the stud and the inside of the tapered hole with a little solvent on a paper towel....

**mike16** · 01-01-2026, 01:13 PM

Been there. No real solution other than to go with new parts...MOOG.

12-23-2025, 02:53 AM	#1
kolle_hond Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Sasolburg, Free State, South Africa Posts: 41	Help with lower ball joint & Tie rod end Hey everyone, I took off my spindles to try and figure out how to re-do the disc brake conversion that got stolen off my truck, and have now put them back on. The issue is that I have two pieces that won't fasten properly, I can get the nut back on up to a certain part, then the thread just spins around with the nut, not letting me fasten it any further. Any idea how I can maybe clamp it with a vice grip or something in order to fasten them? I don't currently have the money to replace the parts and they are difficult to find here in South Africa. __________________ 1970 C10 (undergoing 350 swap) 3-speed manual http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650480

12-23-2025, 10:21 AM	#2
raggedjim Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Murray, Kentucky Posts: 4,102	Re: Help with lower ball joint & Tie rod end Can you get an impact wrench on it? Sometimes an impact wrench will get them started. Also make sure your threads are in good condition. If that doesn't work you may be able to find a way to apply pressure to the top of the joint, just need enough pressure to overcome the thread torque (clean threads with a bit of lube may help). Good luck, Rg __________________ Roger '68 Short step - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=849675 '69 ('70?) 2wd Blazer - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=856475 '70 GMC Jimmy 2wd '73 Firebird - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=853203 Ideas - https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=851743 Last edited by raggedjim; 12-23-2025 at 10:29 AM.

12-23-2025, 11:01 AM	#3
geunther Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Cheyenne, WY Posts: 796	Re: Help with lower ball joint & Tie rod end You also might be able to tap up on the LCA with a rubber mallet to help seat the tapers to give you the friction needed for the threads to do their job. __________________ The lid is stuck on my jar of anti seize

12-23-2025, 11:03 AM	#4
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 26,743	Re: Help with lower ball joint & Tie rod end - I'm with Roger on this. Clean those threads and the inside of the nut with a small wire brush and put a small amount of lube on them. Do not get any lube on the tapered stud. In fact, I would clean the stud and the inside of the tapered hole with a little solvent on a paper towel.... __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

01-01-2026, 01:13 PM	#5
mike16 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: bisbee, arizona Posts: 1,609	Re: Help with lower ball joint & Tie rod end Been there. No real solution other than to go with new parts...MOOG.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.