Not a great start

[jackboeker83]

Well so my first week and a half working on the car and here is what has happened so far...

1) On one of the lower control arms the thread for the grease fitting was jacked up so I had to tap that out. (not a big deal)

2) On one of the upper control arms the ball joint thread was messed up and wouldn't screw into the control arm so FFR is sending me a new one.

3) FFR sent me the wrong size shocks 1721's instead of 1720's and it took me a day and a lot of research before for I figured that one out. I have to send those back then they will send me new ones.

4) Last but not least I am having a hell of a time just getting these ball joint boots to seat correctly. Its like they are a size to small, I finally got one seated but it looks like *** now. Any advice?

Not a lot of progress in a week and a half. I just finally had to take a break and walk away for the weekend. All this stuff is minor issues but I actually quit dipping on delivery day so I am stressed already. I figured why not make two big changes in my life on the same day. Been a week and a half tobacco free but my patience for things (even though I really need it for the build) is running low.

[3yearplan]

I think everyone that reads your post will sit there and nod their heads in agreement with how things are going for you. The ball joint boots are really a pain to get on and require a lot of patience for such a little task. I used a large flat blade screwdriver with the flat part on the rim of the boot and tapped with a hammer while going around little by little until seated. Mine don't look the greatest either, but they are on. Quitting a bad habit, although a good thing, and building this car at the same time may not be such a good thing. Heck, I think I picked up a few bad habits because of this..

Mike

[DaleG]

I feel your pain, but hang in there with the tobacco free change.

[riptide motorsport]

Interestingly, it seems like these things are slowing you down but in the end looking back the build wouldn't have gone any faster. With that said there is aluminum youcan fit and body you could wash with comet and begin blocking......................so enjoy the build!

[skullandbones]

If I remember correctly, I did not like the way the boots fit and ended up trying other ones I had around the garage from potential donors. I got one to fit much better. So I went to the auto parts store and duplicated the ones I found and used them. I got the originals to fit but they didn't look right (too tight and probably would pop off or premature failure). I may have done that on the outer tie rods too. Also, didn't use the grease fittings from the kit but ones I got that fit tighter in the threads of the ball joint. My best strategy is to walk away and come back when things get tense. I have a well worn path from the garage thru the laundry room to the house. Sounds like you are just getting warmed up! Show some pics when you get that front end suspension done. WEK.

[Gumball]

As my wife is fond of telling me when I grouse about tough projects on my FFR - "if it were easy, everyone would have one."

Snark out of the way - seriously... it's just a car; don't let it beat you. If you're having difficulty with something, do exactly what you did - just walk away for a little while (or a week or two, as I've done) and think about it. Often, there are other things to do like fitting aluminum panels as suggested above. In any event, try to think through the issue and come up with alternative solutions. This site and ffcars.com are great for doing just that. When I was having trouble with my ball joint boots, someone on the other site suggested that I take the boots to the hardware store and find a short PVC pipe section that just fits over the boot and settles down on the flat reinforced lip. I then duct taped (YEP) a short piece of the PVC to a 6" chunk of 2x4 and then set that over the boot and pounded on the 2x4 with a hammer. This allowed the boot to seat perfectly with absolutely no damage. Nowadays, my shop has a press (bought because of this project) and I'd just use that with the makeshift PVC and wood die.

Remember - creativity is your friend on this project and many, many guys have tackled the same or similar challenges. Never feel bad asking a question before doing something, no matter how small.

P.S. On my kit, the zerk (grease) fittings were self tapping and the holes didn't have any threads. They may have changed that now, but it could just be that you didn't get the threads to cut... not that you boogered it up.

[David Hodgkins]

Jack,

Google Energy Suspension 5.13102G. Those will work, I'm told. I need to replace mine as well. The fact is that the supplied boots don't work very well.

Sorry about your other troubles. These things happen. As long as you take them in stride you will be OK. I had a few issues with my build as well. But a call to FFR usually resolved the issue.

HTH,

:)

[jackboeker83]

LOL Yeah I think I am just going to take this time off and go eat some crawfish and enjoy the weekend down in Houston. I think it is going to be one of those love, hate relationships. A lot of breakups with a lot of one night stands until we get everything figured out. hahahaha I am for sure keeping an open mind and using these sites for help.

[Avalanche325]

You have to remember that this is a big project and there will be bumps in the road. Walking away when frustrated or tired is the right thing. Things might be a bit amplified getting off the smokes! Congrats on that!!

Here is my experience so far. If you call FFR, they will do everything they can to help and make it right. I had a couple supplied parts that had issues (Wilwood and wheels) and they set me up with the suppliers and new parts were sent out. Outstanding service.

The forums are full of friends. We all have different opinions, but we are all headed down the same road. Building and driving these great cars. There are many ideas and unique ways to do things that are on here. People are always willing to help.

FFR will get the right parts to you. And we will help you however we can. Like stated, zerks that I have seen are self taping.

[Scott Zackowski]

Problem solving is definitely required. It is frustrating at times and rewarding most of the time. You will find your pace and groove. As the build progresses, you problem solving skills will sharpen. Factory Five will correct any part problems you have and help with technical questions.

Your friends on the forum will get you through the hard times.

The challenges are why builders are so proud of their creations. Only fellow builders can truly appreciate their pride.


Mk IV, Complete kit, FFR 7304

[mg2]

I put the boots on by driving them on with a pipe and hammer.

[GJerry]

I was never happy with the way the boots fit, just lived with it for a while. I later decided to replace the FFR upper a-arms and donor lowers with Levy Racing aluminum upper and lower a-arms. They come with really nice ball joints and boots that fit right. That was not the reason I changed the a-arms but the proper fitting boots was an added bonus.

[VdubJoe]

I just found a short piece of pvc that fit the boots. Don't remember the size. One whack with the hammer and a perfect fit. All the little things you run into add to the enjoyment when you solve the problem.
You'll have a few more to come probably.

Joe

[pc12cvs]

Jack,

Google Energy Suspension 5.13102G. Those will work, I'm told. I need to replace mine as well. The fact is that the supplied boots don't work very well.

Sorry about your other troubles. These things happen. As long as you take them in stride you will be OK. I had a few issues with my build as well. But a call to FFR usually resolved the issue.

HTH,

:)

Has anybody tried these particular boots (Energy Suspension 5.13102G) on the LCA ball joints that come with the Mark IV? Just wondering if they definitely fit before I end up ordering them online (not in stock at the parts store). I've given up on the ones that came with the kit.

Thanks.

[rich grsc]

No need to special order them, they sell them at Autozone, if you have them in your area. You should check your local auto parts store first.

[pc12cvs]

No need to special order them, they sell them at Autozone, if you have them in your area. You should check your local auto parts store first.

Rich,

Thanks for the response. Unfortunately, when you live in a small town, even Autozone doesn't carry a great inventory. I had already checked, that's why I wanted to make sure they fit before I ordered them. I'll post it later when they get in to confirm if they fit.

[pc12cvs]

They work.