scott863

How do I tell if I still have the aluminum ball joint support on my '81?

joejoe

Use a magnet. If stciks then steel, if not aluminum.

Vilhuer

Shape is also different. There should be pics in archive.

fbarnhill

Hey Scott,
My old 83s had the aluminum ball joints. They broke between 175k and 200k miles of hard driving. I now have a low millage 79 and the ball joints are on my list to change but I figure they are good for a few more miles.

Good luck

John V

I've been putting this off myself... two years ago, the steel ball joints were under $50 each. Today they are about $115 each for just the balljoints , without the eccentics and brackets.

Mike Frye

John,

Do you need to replace the eccentrics and brackets when the ball joints are replaced?

Vilhuer

Only one of two eccentrics on each side if one wants to be cheap but its better to change all four as adjustment range is what is should be then. No need to change brackets.

Mike Frye

Erkka,

Cool, thanks. I'm not really trying to be cheap, I just want to replace what needs to be replaced, not just put in stuff 'cause it's next to something shiny.
My '85 needs some serious attention under there and I'm doing all the bushings and ball joints, I've got an A-arm rebuild kit on the way from 928 Motorsports, I just haven't done any of this before and I don't want to miss anything.

Vilhuer

Old style brackets have slightly longer bolts in them. They are perfectly usable with new style joints. Little more thread will remain visible, thats all.

I would change all four eccentrics to used ones from 928Intl. Several of their used ones I have seen were all fine.

scott863

that magnet idea, so obvious that I'd never think of it.