This post is a two parter - first is a question re: seating of the ball joint. I am using the Mevotech FF supplied ball joints and curious if this is as far as they thread in? They aren't threaded all the way to the top so I am assuming this is the case but if someone could please verify I would appreciate. Not sure if you can tell from the picture but the gap is about 3/32. The last 1/8" of the ball joint (towards the top) is unthreaded, smooth metal making it seem unlikely it would thread any further.

Ball Joint.jpg

Threaded in all the way - I think
Ball Joint Gap.jpg

And now to question(s) two. I know many on the forums opt to purchase the Howe Racing ball joints due to a real or perceived issue with threading in the Mevotech units. I like to try and use the supplied parts when it makes sense and in this case I thought it did. I was able to thread in the first one pretty much all the way by hand. No problem, piece of cake. But now on to the second one. 1 to 1 1/2 threads and full stop. No passing go, no collecting anything but barked knuckles. I chucked a wire brush in my Dremel and stripped all the powdercoat/paint from both the control arm and ball joint. Earned maybe an additional half turn. So, my questions are these: is this just ball joint roulette or is there a methodology to getting these things put together? I don't really want to spend $200 on the Howe units but I am also not going to fight these for several hours. If anyone has any insight, learnings or wisdom they can impart, I would greatly appreciate it.