Lower ball joint press fit question

[chev-obsession]

I am installing new ball joints on my 69 c10. Using 72 ball joints and spindles. The new ball joints fit into the spindle well, and they are knurled on the press fit side. I did some measuring before pressing in the new ball joints and have a question before I potentially get into trouble. I did get 2 different ball joints that Napa listed for this truck. One was “standard design fit” and the other was “oversized fit” and they both measure the same on the knurled (press fit side)

The opening on the LCA is 1.958”
The new Napa ball joint is 1.982”
The original ball joint is 1.972”

Is that an acceptable press fit on the new ball joints and LCA?

If not any tips, advice or other info is appreciated.

[davischevy]

I would think 10 10,000th's is acceptable. You probably dragged that much metal out of the LCA when you pressed the old ball joint out.

[chev-obsession]

Originally Posted by davischevy

I would think 10 10,000th's is acceptable. You probably dragged that much metal out of the LCA when you pressed the old ball joint out.

Kind of what I was thinking. I went and found a MOOG at O’Reilly’s and that measured 1.977”

[Accelo]

I would measure the hole and then you would know for sure.
I just did a set of Axle saver bearings on a differential.
They were .013 over the size of the original OD.
After they were driven in the axle dragged on the bearing as it had crushed the bearing down in size. I trust nothing as quality control in China is non-existent. Exception is some OEM's have controls in place.
I just had to pull a new fuel pump because the factory had the polarity switched and the pump was running backwards. Several other complaints for the same thing on Summit.
And yes, I would pay more If I didn't have to drain and pull a brand new fuel tank just because they couldn't get the polarity correct.
Gees already.

[chev-obsession]

Originally Posted by Accelo

I would measure the hole and then you would know for sure.
I just did a set of Axle saver bearings on a differential.
They were .013 over the size of the original OD.
After they were driven in the axle dragged on the bearing as it had crushed the bearing down in size. I trust nothing as quality control in China is non-existent. Exception is some OEM's have controls in place.
I just had to pull a new fuel pump because the factory had the polarity switched and the pump was running backwards. Several other complaints for the same thing on Summit.
And yes I would pay more not to have to drain pull a brand new tank.
Gees already.

I share your frustration.

I did take a die grinder with a stone to the ball joint hole and reamed it out a little bit then used a flapper wheel to smooth the final finish . Ball joints went in and are pretty tight.