Mk5, Lower Control Arm, ball joint, embarrassing mishap!

[Ejzajac]

Struggled a bit lining up castle nut openings with proper torque for cotter pin insertion.
Used thin bushings under nut with better luck but had a cotter pin snap inside with damage to the rod threads with castle nut removal.

Should the ball joint system be replaced?
Does anyone have a vendor/replacement part number for this ball joint?



Thanks.

[gbranham]

Chase the threads with a thread repair tool or old bolt.

[TrackDay17]

I just looked at the manual to remind myself, did you install the spacer correctly ? it has a slight taper to it which could cause a problem it you got it on upside down.
I'm with Greg, I'd try and chase the threads if the damage isn't too bad.
Might have to call FF to confirm what it is if you need to replace it but I suspect it's a newer Mustang part if I had to guess.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Lower ball joints are Fox era (1979-1993) Mustang which press in. About 30 bucks at NAPA.

Jeff

[Ejzajac]

Thanks. Yes, the spacer was correctly positioned. Will try to repair threads. I have a Grade 8 nut and a new castle nut. Hope that will work. If the ball joint needs to be replaced, I assume it will need a mechanical/hydraulic press. The Forum has been incredible to move me along quickly with this build.
Thanks again.

Ed Z
Sioux City, Iowa