Ducman82

when you replaces the crap aluminum ball joints with the steel ones, did you keep the old style mounts and just trim off the extra length? i need to do the lower joints and im trying to save a few bucks.

jake

chewy8000

Actually I should probably do this considering mine have never been replaced on the 81' OB. I would guess they are the "crap aluminum" ones as well.

Fabio421

You mean trim the bolts? No, I just left it alone. It doesn't hurt anything.

Ducman82

i know in the WSM it says that the shock mount will be diffrent and can cause it to hit the A-arm. but im going to use the 928ms koni-hypercoil kit any way.... so that should not matter.

thanks guys

GlenL

The extra length won't hurt anything. I trust you got the two new adjusters you'll need.

WallyP

Three ways to go:
- Buy new brackets.
- Install the old brackets and cut off the extra length.
- Install the old brackets and don't worry about it.

But - If you still have the old aluminum lower ball joint carriers, you DO need to install new steel versions ASAP! It isn't much fun to have a front wheel fold up into the fender...

linderpat

Just had this done on my '78 - do as soon as you can. I bought the new ball joints from one of our established vendors, and only 2 new concentrics. You don't need to buy all 4 concentrics (this is a big $$$ savings - they are expensive) or the brackets. Also, don't worry about the extra lentgh on the bolts - won't hurt anything. You can DIY the job - do a search - Dwayne has an excellent write up on this.

Ducman82

ya im redoing the ball joints due to jacking up my car and the driver lower popped out... joy.

James Bailey

Sounds better than when you are roaring around a big sweeping corner at 65 MPH and the wheel flops over on it's side and wedges back against the firewall locks up the tire skids then blows as you slide of into the dirt....

Ducman82

o yes! that would suck.