I went to my shop today to install upgraded upper control arms as it was apparent that the front lift / leveling kit was creating a situation where my upper control arm / ball joint was at an odd angle. Seemed like it was being stretched to it’s limit. I’m putting my new plow on in a week or two and I wanted to make sure it wasn’t going to create a potential problem with the ball joint, as well as install something that would require me to put on a new upper control arm / ball joint assembly every 12-18 months. They come as an assembly and you can’t buy just the ball joint. In any event, here’s a problem I ran across.
I ordered lower ball joints from Summit. Figured since I was there, I might as well make sure the front is all set. This is the part specified for my truck and what they shipped.
I borrowed the press tool kit from Advanced Auto and when I pressed the new one in, I notice it bottomed out on the flange before the snap ring groove became visible. Basically it sits flush on the lower control arm. I looked at the Moog one that was originally in there and it was obvious that flange was “thinner” hence the snap ring could be clipped on. I called my mechanic buddy and he said he wasn’t overly concerned and that some older Chevy truck models actually had this type of ringless install.
This is the Moog one and you can actually see the difference in the two pics.
I know there’s no weight on the suspension but even on the ground, the angle is pretty severe.
I know it’s hard to see in this pic but I thought my phone took a pic of the ball joint. It didn’t. In summary, does anyone think this poses a failure problem? I drove it home and I can’t wrap my head around the logistics of where the weight / pressure on the joint is so I don’t know if it’s pressing it in there or pulling it out.
This is a stock internet photo of the bottom of the lower control arm. The ball joint gets pressed in from the bottom and dangles down.
I can correct this situation by ordering another lower ball joint, but I certainly don’t want to go through the hassle if what I have now is acceptable. Automotive knowledge on my part is lacking here.
BTW, finished upgraded upper control arm.
I didn’t take a pic with weight on it but I can already see the difference in the angle at which the ball joint sits.
This is the company / product I ordered. For some reason, mine didn’t come with the grease fittings at the bushings. Not sure why. Will be investigating.
