Replacing worn ball joints?

[Hiram33]

Is their a way to replace the ball joints that come with the 33 or do you have to replace the entire control arm? I ask because MOOG makes an interesting part that could alleviate that. 34318

[erlihemi]

This is an old mopar style joint. I haven't checked to see which size FFR is using. While MOOG makes quality parts I am not sure if this is the correct piece for this control arm based on comments I've seen. I am referring to design not size. replacement is simple. grind off spot welds, get special socket (borrow at parts store), unscrew old joint, apply never sieze and screw in new joint. If you wore out the old joint this is likely a design problem. load may be in the wrong direction for the design. Look at QA1 rebuildable circle track joints and do some google searches on ball joint loading. I'll have to look at this a little more now that I've seen it come up a couple times....

[Tim Whittaker]

Is there a reason you think the ball joint needs or will need to be replaced ?

[Hiram33]

Well all ball joints eventually wear out and most nowadays have plastic bushings as opposed to the metal ones MOOG has.

[Tim Whittaker]

I agree that the ball joints would need to be replaced at some point. Some have suggested that the ones supplied with the kit need to be replaced during the build. I don't subscribe to that.

[maczter]

I agree that the ball joints would need to be replaced at some point. Some have suggested that the ones supplied with the kit need to be replaced during the build. I don't subscribe to that.

I am considering changing mine. The person I had powder coat them did not mask them off and they got sand in them when they blasted them before coating. Sprayed the crap out of them with brake cleaner but can still feel grit in the joints. Would you change them in this case? How do we get them out of the arm?

[Tim Whittaker]

Unfortunately, the welds need to be removed to replace them. You might try to blow air it the hole after removing the zerk and rotate the ball when inducing the air. Might work to get the grit out ??????

[Hiram33]

You could try pushing grease through the joint till all the sand is removed. However if it is a plastic bushing you may have to replace it. Try pushing the grease with the boot removed to help flush out the sand better.

[maczter]

You could try pushing grease through the joint till all the sand is removed. However if it is a plastic bushing you may have to replace it. Try pushing the grease with the boot removed to help flush out the sand better.

Hiram,

You may be onto something, I never thought of that. I did buy Royal Purple grease for all of them, but I can get some cheaper AutoZone grease for that purpose. Thanks for the tip, another reason I love these forums, someone is always thinking outside the box.

Jack