2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission ball joints revisited

[TGaines]

I just replaced all four ball joints and the outer tie rods on my 96 3500. My question is this, has anyone ever had an upper ball joint separate from the control arm after being pressed in? Mine separated on the way home from the garage. I had an ASE mechanic showing me what to do and checking my work, but now I've got to get another ball joint and reinstall it. If there may be something wrong with the control arm, I need to know before wasting more money and having the problem happen again. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[WadePatton]

WOW, no replies for a month.



The ball joint itself separated or the press fit failed? Or is it bolted in?

 

[stacerbob]

ball joint install

Undoubtly when you pressed it in it was a tad crooked when you started and it stretched the hole in the control arm resulting in the ball joint falling out. Use red locktite when you install the next one.

 

[Extreme1]

This was a fairly common problem when autocrossing or road racing second generation Camaros. A couple tack welds are the solution. When you want to replace them, a couple minutes with a grinder will take the tacks off and you will still have a light press fit.

 

[WadePatton]

autox

Now there's a word I haven't seen in print for a while. I zipped around the courses in my *****in '78 Sirocco back in the late 80's.



Always plan on getting into road racing. Actually own 1/2 a Sports 2000. Haven't gotten around to making the $$$ I feel necessary to compete.



Actually looking at sled pulling now for a motorsport diversion until I get around to real racing.



All the while I'm BOMBing my tow rig. --Spent more time looking at tow rigs than cars last time I was in the nastycar pits.

 

[Stranger]

Don't be too hasty...

I just (Fri. night and Sat. morning), replaced my upper ball-joints. I got them from Rock Auto @ about $42. 95 ea. + S&H.



I got the MOOG K7206T Enhanced design. Apparently these are . 003" Larger in diameter, are knurled and are called the "Problem Solver" They come with and are drilled for a zerk.



The old ones were the ones that NAPA stocks for about $65. 00 and just "popped" out in my 12 ton press. The new ones took a whole lot of pressure to install. They won't be coming out soon!



Apparently the "Enhanced Design", corrects the inherent design problems from OEM.



Here's a photo before I put the left upper control arm back in.