Snap Ring on LCA Ball Joint??

[PMD24]

Came across a post that mentioned putting a snap ring on the ball joint of the lower control arm. Did some searches in the forum and couldn't find anything specific on if they are needed or not. Nothing in the manual either. The ball joint is not welded in and there is a groove on the top side. But, the two extra snap rings that I have are the size for the shocks and appear to be a little too small for the ball joints.

Are these snap rings required? Major disassembly for me if they are.

I'll also check in with the FFR techs on Monday and close the loop here.

Pat

[rich grsc]

There is no snap ring used on the ball joint

[TXeverydayDad]

It might have been my post you saw with the snap ring. I didn’t see anything in the manual but since they were in the kit, I installed them and posted a picture of it. I can’t speak to whether they are required or not or whether it’s worth pulling everything off to install them. I read recently that someone had a wrong ball joint delivered as part of the LCA assembly which had popped out. Obviously not good. Not sure the snap ring would have prevented it but it’s an extra layer of safety.

Although annoying, I’ve found it better for my sanity to just do the extra work and then not have to think about it again. Just my 2 cents…

/Sam

[runamuk]

It might have been my post you saw with the snap ring. I didn’t see anything in the manual but since they were in the kit, I installed them and posted a picture of it. I can’t speak to whether they are required or not or whether it’s worth pulling everything off to install them. I read recently that someone had a wrong ball joint delivered as part of the LCA assembly which had popped out. Obviously not good. Not sure the snap ring would have prevented it but it’s an extra layer of safety.

Although annoying, I’ve found it better for my sanity to just do the extra work and then not have to think about it again. Just my 2 cents…

/Sam

That was me, Factory Five sent me new control arms that included snap rings with the hardware pack. I installed them on the lower ball joints.

[CraigS]

Maybe FFR has changed BJ suppliers?

[PMD24]

It might have been my post you saw with the snap ring. I didn’t see anything in the manual but since they were in the kit, I installed them and posted a picture of it. I can’t speak to whether they are required or not or whether it’s worth pulling everything off to install them. I read recently that someone had a wrong ball joint delivered as part of the LCA assembly which had popped out. Obviously not good. Not sure the snap ring would have prevented it but it’s an extra layer of safety.

Although annoying, I’ve found it better for my sanity to just do the extra work and then not have to think about it again. Just my 2 cents…

/Sam

It was your thread where I first saw it and it does come up in searches as well. But, the opinions on it vary. I agree with your logic 100% and had I known at the time, would have definitely installed it. I'll talk to FFR on Monday and will close the loop here. Thanks for including it in your thread. Even if it's not needed, questions like this are good for the entire community.

Pat

[PMD24]

That was me, Factory Five sent me new control arms that included snap rings with the hardware pack. I installed them on the lower ball joints.

How long ago was that? Wondering if this is a timing thing based on their supply source. Just curious. I'll likely tear things apart and put them in, even if FFR says it's not necessary. Good practive for my next build :)

[Rian_Colorado]

I literally had the same happen 2 weeks ago. Ordered the lower control arms (Came with the ball joints already installed) But I have the 2 extra snap rings. I didn't see anywhere to install them, and no instructions or previous mentions of them anywhere? Please respond when you hear back from FFR! Hoping I don't have to take that damned thing apart. I hate pulling ball joints.....

[runamuk]

How long ago was that? Wondering if this is a timing thing based on their supply source. Just curious. I'll likely tear things apart and put them in, even if FFR says it's not necessary. Good practive for my next build :)

It was just a few weeks ago. I was surprised to see that Factory Five goes to the effort to press the ball joints in, but doesn't put the snap ring on.

[Jeff Kleiner]

The ball joints are a press fit. No snap rings.

Jeff

[Norm B]

The ball joint supplier may be providing multi use ball joints. It is common for a vehicle that has strut front suspension, with the spring on the strut, to have a method of attaching the ball joint to the lower control arm. In this application there is no force, aside from friction, holding it into the arm.
On the roadster, because the spring is attached to the control arm, the weight of the car is trying to pull the ball joint through it. As previous posters, much smarter than me have said, it is not going to come out if the snap ring is not installed.

Norm

[Kennyr]

I’m in the middle of assembling my front suspension & have the exact same question. Lower ball joints were already assembled & 2 snap rings are in the hardware kit. Am I ok to leave out the snap rings-even assuming I would know where to put them…
I’d also add that the same hardware bag also contained 4 grade 8 12mm bolts, 50mm long. Cannot figure out where they go either…

[PMD24]

I spoke with FFR techs back in Dec 24 and they told me the snap rings are not used on the roadster. They apply only to the hotrod. That update is in my thread at post 61. Not sure why I didn't document it here as well. But it's here now as well.

Pat

[gbranham]

As Rich and Jeff said, you don't need snap rings on the LCAs