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  •  » FYI Ford, Classic Mustang Tech Discussion
  •  » Changing ball joints

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    7/27/2016 8:02 PM  #1

    302rich
    FYI FORD Member

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    Registered: 12/16/2015
    Posts: 15

    Changing ball joints

    I'm finally starting to get my Mustang mojo back so I started changing upper ball joints today.  I bought a tool at Harbor Freight for 21 bucks that works better than any pickle fork that I have ever seen.  Basically, the tool works on the same wedge and leverage principal as the fork but with a smoother and more consistent force.  The other unusual thing about this job was the location of the grease fitting.  My Mustang is a 68 and the upper arms must be original because the ball joints are four bolt style. Now, when I went to put a socket on the left front bolt it wouldn't fit and that's when I discovered the fitting.  Fortunately, I was able to back out the fitting and take the left side bolts out.  But I'm curious; has anyone else seen a vintage Mustang or for that matter a Maverick  or Falcon with the upper ball joint grease fitting on the bottom of the joint?

     

    7/28/2016 6:35 AM  #2

    MS
    Forum Originator

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    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,688

    Re: Changing ball joints

    Original ball joints were riveted to the upper control arm.

    Those are aftermarket ball joints.  Some companies decided to relocate the fitting to point down where it was easier to grease with the wheel on the car.  From my personal experience, the ball joints built like that were of an inferior quality compared to MOOG, my preferred brand.

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    7/28/2016 12:06 PM  #3

    302rich
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    Registered: 12/16/2015
    Posts: 15

    Re: Changing ball joints

    Steve, I'm with you on the quality and I'm using MOOG replacements.  However, I had to put the left front corner bolt in with the head on the top in order to have clearance for the side mounted grease fitting.  Do you think that this will cause a problem down the road?

       •Thread Starter
     

    7/28/2016 4:04 PM  #4

    boomyal
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

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    From: Vancouver, Washington
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 1,295

    Re: Changing ball joints

    302rich wrote:

    Steve, I'm with you on the quality and I'm using MOOG replacements.  However, I had to put the left front corner bolt in with the head on the top in order to have clearance for the side mounted grease fitting.  Do you think that this will cause a problem down the road?

    It's common to do that.  It will not create any problems.
     

     

    7/28/2016 5:23 PM  #5

    302rich
    FYI FORD Member

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    Registered: 12/16/2015
    Posts: 15

    Re: Changing ball joints

    Thanks

       •Thread Starter
     

    7/28/2016 8:40 PM  #6

    MS
    Forum Originator

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    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,688

    Re: Changing ball joints

    I put all the bolts in from the top.  But, it doesn't matter except for that one bolt.

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

     

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