[66promalibu]

I'm installing the ball joints on my SPC upper arms and the bolt holes are not lining up well between the ball joint and the arm. Has anyone had this experience? Ball joints are stock replacements from NAPA for my 66. Should I try another brand?

[Rich-L79]

You've either got the wrong upper arms or the wrong ball joints. Post a photo.

[66promalibu]

I can try get a good photo. It might be difficult to capture. The holes are very close but not close enough to get four bolts in. I'll try get a picture tonight.

[66promalibu]

http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/a...a/IMGP0410.jpg
http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/a...a/IMGP0409.jpg


I think the issue is clearly visible. Also shows the part number of the ball joint.

[claytonisbob]

Do both of the ball joints line up the same? Those don't look like Moog ball joints, maybe the joints are wrong?

Take a caliper and measure the hole spacing for each pair of holes on the arms and ball joints and see if its the same front to back.

[66promalibu]

Yes. Both joints are the same. Also both arms are the same too. These are Napa "premium", apparently made by Spicer. I think I'll try get my hands on a different brand, maybe I can find some Moog joints.

[pritchard1970]

I am running a moog part...I will get the number for you, mine fit perfectly in the SPC arm

http://picasaweb.google.com/threaded...36407180311746

[66promalibu]

I tried the Moog part at the auto parts store today. No difference.

[Roadbuster]

I found the same issue with my moog joints. Marc sent me the specs on the hole pattern and the arm was spot on. The ball joints were off. A couple of minutes with a small rounded file and it fit perfect. Afterward, the bolts when inserted through both holes are perpendicular to the mating service before tightening.

The next size up in the ball joint has a much larger hole pattern and no part of the holes would line up.

Jon

[pritchard1970]

Good Morning All,

I just installed a SPC set upper and lower in my 70 wagon and no cutting or grinding was required. Also, just looking at some of the post cutting pics, are you boys worried about structural strength at all? I did run a Fat Man 2" drop spindle that is Tall for geometry correction, if that has anything to do with it. Just my experience, I listed my pics below

http://picasaweb.google.com/threaded...36390632653986

http://picasaweb.google.com/threaded...36398338238498

http://picasaweb.google.com/threaded...36407180311746

http://picasaweb.google.com/threaded...36409135478898

[pritchard1970]

About that ball joint question, I had no problems with mine, I ran a Carquest part #K5208...It is a moog part and is made in the USA....Hope it helps

[66promalibu]

To make the ball joints fit the arm I would have to remove material from the arm next to the ball joint opening. There isn't a lot of material there. It looks to me like I'm out about a 1/16th on the holes. It doesn't seem right that I should have to oval the holes that much to make the ball joints fit.

[jkratty]

Guys,
When removing/installing the upper control arms on the driver's side, do you have to remove the steering shaft first? I am in the process and it appears you have to do this. If so, what is the easiest way to do this, i.e. at the u-joint or rag joint? (hope it's not the rag joint because one of the bolts is absolutely frozen solid and will not loosen).

Thanks!