2WD ball joints,to weld or not to weld

['956Wheel]

Just replaced the ball joints (4) on my '95 2WD with IFS. The lower ones are not in question, however the upper ones did not feel like much of a press fit and as you know they press in from the top down, so it would seem, in time and use, the upper ball joints could push out.



I have read that some ball joints are welded in and I am considering doing the same. Has anyone out there welded theirs in? Hot & fast welding would keep the heat from going too far, and I would weld them on top anyway... Two 1/2" long beads max.



Input please. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!



Thanks,

Mike

 

[Doc Tinker]

I don't think I'd weld them. Maybe I would on an old truck that I didn't think I'd ever have to replace the ball joints again.



I don't think you're at much of risk of them pressing back out from normal use.



Doc

 

['956Wheel]

Oh, by the way Doc... ... you were right about yhe hammers! If you don't have a good selection of hammers your'e kidding yourself... IMO.



I think I will just keep an eye on those ball joints. The truck is a daily driver and was bought for towing a TT so a failure would be a real mess.



You are the one that worked on busses, right?



Mike

 

[Midnight]

I have replaced a alot of ball joints on different rams and dont recall ever seeing the upper ball joints welded. The lowers yes.

 

[Doc Tinker]

'956Wheel



Yes, I worked on school busses, but my balljoint experience doesn't come from them, seein as they have kingpins



Doc

 

[Extreme1]

We used to weld ball joints on GM stuff (Camaros) to keep them in place under heavy cornering loads. 1/2" long bead is a bit much, too much heat would be put in and it's a lot to grind through when you do replace them again. A couple good tack welds are all it takes.



And yes, if you think they are too loose, they (the ball joints) probably will too. They will move around and get progressively looser with time.

 

['956Wheel]

Midnight, The lower ones do not concern me as the shoulder is on the bottom and the load is to the advantage of keeping it in place. With the upper the shoulder is on top. Why would you feel it necessary to weld the bottom joint?



Doc, I should have known that busses have kingpins as my employer used to take the turbine overhaul crews to the jobsite on "Bluebirds"... I thought the wheels were square! PAINFUL RIDE!



Mike

 

[Midnight]

956 The shoulder is on the bottom, but i have come across where the customer complains of a clunking noise and when jacked up by the lower control arm, i have seen that lower balljoint fall down and out of the contol arm. Lower the jack and the balljoint goes back into the contol arm. Some trucks come from the factory with spot welds and some dont.