Upper Ball Joint Installation - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

c10boob · 12-10-2012, 01:55 AM

I have a 71 2WD with disc brakes and am trying to replace the upper ball joint. I have already removed the factory ball joint, but when I install the new one I can still see some of the ball joint's shaft showing between the upper control arm and steering knuckle.

I tried using a ball joint press but damaged the ball joint in the process, and was told by an O'Reilly Auto employee that the upper ball joint does not need to be pressed in, and should go into place when being bolted on.

Secondly, it looks like the hole for the cotter pin is going to be quite a bit below the cotter pin nut..

Any thoughts and/or advice?

**Palf70Step** · 12-10-2012, 06:28 AM

The upper ball joint is bolted in. You have to grind the rivets off the orginal ball joint, then the new ball joint bolts to the upper a-arm.

darkhorse970 · 12-10-2012, 06:42 AM

You will need to ensure that you have the correct ball joint for the spindle that you are using. Are your spindles stock? WHat manufacturer and part number are the ball joints?

c10boob · 12-10-2012, 06:43 AM

Yeah I've got that part, but am having trouble with the spindle that inserts into the steering knuckle. How did you get yours properly seated?
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c10boob · 12-10-2012, 06:54 AM

Darkhorse: My suspension is all stock at the moment, and the ball joint is MasterPro part K6124 http://m.oreillyauto.com/mt/www.orei...ord=ball+joint
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DorianB · 12-10-2012, 09:15 AM

You may have the wrong year ball joint.

Over the weekend I tried to put a 72 spindle on my 68 and I have exactly the same symptoms you are talking about. The upper ball joint bolt doesn't sit down inside the spindle completely to fit.

c10boob · 12-10-2012, 10:14 AM

Interesting. Ill double check it. So I'm not nuts though.. this thing should taper into the hole without using an extreme amount of pressure right?
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**lolife99** · 12-10-2012, 11:03 AM

The ball joint has to match the spindle.
So does the outer tie rod.

Breaks down as follows:
63-70
71-72
73-87

PanelDeland · 12-10-2012, 03:39 PM

One more tip.When you put the bolts in,the nuts go on top of the control arm.The heads of the bolts are thinner and wont interfere with the ball joint like they will if you put them nuts down.

12-10-2012, 01:55 AM	#1
c10boob Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Columbia, MO Posts: 72	Upper Ball Joint Installation I have a 71 2WD with disc brakes and am trying to replace the upper ball joint. I have already removed the factory ball joint, but when I install the new one I can still see some of the ball joint's shaft showing between the upper control arm and steering knuckle. I tried using a ball joint press but damaged the ball joint in the process, and was told by an O'Reilly Auto employee that the upper ball joint does not need to be pressed in, and should go into place when being bolted on. Secondly, it looks like the hole for the cotter pin is going to be quite a bit below the cotter pin nut.. Any thoughts and/or advice?

12-10-2012, 06:28 AM	#2
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,769	Re: Upper Ball Joint Installation The upper ball joint is bolted in. You have to grind the rivets off the orginal ball joint, then the new ball joint bolts to the upper a-arm. Attached Images __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

12-10-2012, 06:42 AM	#3
darkhorse970 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Monroe, LA Posts: 2,103	Re: Upper Ball Joint Installation You will need to ensure that you have the correct ball joint for the spindle that you are using. Are your spindles stock? WHat manufacturer and part number are the ball joints? __________________ Keith SOLD - 1963 C10 Short Fleet 350/700R4 4/6 drop 1967 GMC Super Custom - Short Fleet COPO concept w/427 BBC T-400 w/Doug Nash overdrive 4/6 Drop, Buddy Buckets, etc... Frame Off (In Progress) I call it "Vulgar Display of Power" 1980 Silverado Original paint 49k Original miles 4/6 drop Check out my build thread here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6209941

12-10-2012, 06:43 AM	#4
c10boob Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Columbia, MO Posts: 72	Re: Upper Ball Joint Installation Yeah I've got that part, but am having trouble with the spindle that inserts into the steering knuckle. How did you get yours properly seated? Posted via Mobile Device

12-10-2012, 06:54 AM	#5
c10boob Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Columbia, MO Posts: 72	Re: Upper Ball Joint Installation Darkhorse: My suspension is all stock at the moment, and the ball joint is MasterPro part K6124 http://m.oreillyauto.com/mt/www.orei...ord=ball+joint Posted via Mobile Device

12-10-2012, 09:15 AM	#6
DorianB Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Buford, Ga Posts: 205	Re: Upper Ball Joint Installation You may have the wrong year ball joint. Over the weekend I tried to put a 72 spindle on my 68 and I have exactly the same symptoms you are talking about. The upper ball joint bolt doesn't sit down inside the spindle completely to fit. __________________ In my opinion, it works best to have the seat out so you have room to flop your body around while standing on your head. -ashx2

12-10-2012, 10:14 AM	#7
c10boob Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Columbia, MO Posts: 72	Re: Upper Ball Joint Installation Interesting. Ill double check it. So I'm not nuts though.. this thing should taper into the hole without using an extreme amount of pressure right? Posted via Mobile Device

12-10-2012, 11:03 AM	#8
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,691	Re: Upper Ball Joint Installation The ball joint has to match the spindle. So does the outer tie rod. Breaks down as follows: 63-70 71-72 73-87 __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

12-10-2012, 03:39 PM	#9
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Upper Ball Joint Installation One more tip.When you put the bolts in,the nuts go on top of the control arm.The heads of the bolts are thinner and wont interfere with the ball joint like they will if you put them nuts down. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"



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