where to locate upper control arms?

[Phil Stuart]

I am in the process of replacing both upper and lower ball joints on the old girl and found the threaded hole on the upper arm on the right side looks like its about had it. I got the new ball joint screwed in but was much easier to install than the left side which required some significant force to tighten

I've encountered this before on the 68 Barracuda I owned and was wondering if there's an aftermarket source for these?



Phil

 

[Paul Herioux]

I don't know about an aftermarket source for a control arm but I believe Moog makes an oversized ball joint for this application. The part number would be the same as the stock replacement Moog number with an O suffix. Example the oversized joint for a 2887 ball joint would be a 2887-O. Moog does this for most of their thread in ball joint applications due to the high mortallity rate of threaded control arms caused by threads stripping. These will most likely be special order unless you have a really good parts store.



Later,

Paul

 

[Phil Stuart]

I finally got it to pass Va. state safety inspection this morning no problem. Had to do the ball joints, muffler, tailpipe and windshield wipers for it to pass tho.

This all took about a week & a half between me working.



The mechanic whom I talked to said that a mig welder would do the trick (just a tack or two) on the upper ball joint where it meets the top of the control arm if it's real loose and has slop.

I drove it to work today 60 miles and no noises from the front except I need to replace the caliper anti-rattle clips and retainers.

What do you think about mig welding the uppers?I believe this would render them useless after this set wears out and needs replaced.

How long do the upper ball joints usually last on a D250?

I know the lowers take a beating



Phil

 

[jdurham]

PM me, I may be able to help you.



Jim

 

[Phil Stuart]

Jim,



I tried to PM you. Your mailbox is full.



Phil

 

[jdurham]

OOPS! Sorry. Try it now.