What was the last year for aluminum ball joints? What part is aluminum and how do I check to see which ones I have? Are there any other parts that are needed when changing over to steel ones? Thanks. Joe.

 

Joe-
Aluminum was used upto and possibly into 83. Your 79 probably has aluminum BJs unless previously changed. You can tell by using a magnet. You will need 2 eccentrics (You can re-use 2 of your current ones if in good shape) and some will suggest you change the brackets, but you can use your current one's and cut the bolts a little bit (because the new carrier is thinner - you'll understand when you get there). That's about it.

BTW, I used a cheap laser level from HF and an old brake rotor as a way to make sure my alignment was back to status quo when I got done (I also did tie rod ends and struts). Worked like a champ. Let me know if you want details.

 

Am I checking the part with the eccentrics that bolts to the lower control arm with the magnet? I assume that I am not checking the ball and socket portion that bolts to the spindle.

 

you are correct - it's called the carrier

 

You can do a visual inspection too. If they look like this, then they are steel. If they look like the light shaded outline behind the carrier they are the aluminum.

 

Looks like it's the dreaded aluminum for both my 79 and 82. My wallet is gonna take a hit on this one. Thanks again Andy and John.

 

Change was done in September '83 meaning early '84 model year cars still got aluminium version. First US car to have later style steel version is VIN ES860404 meaning factory did around 600 '84 MY cars with older style parts when ROW cars are also counted.

 

Good info. See, I thought it was into 83, but turns out they went into 84. Thanks for the correction.

(What other useful statistics do you have rolling arounf in your head?? )