Help with ball-joints.

[Duallylife]

Well, no, not really.

The original ball joints were riveted to the stamped part of the control arm. When the original ball joints get replaced, it's a PITA to drill/grind/torch/press out the four rivets. The replacement ball joint comes with bolts instead of rivets for ease of re-assembly.

From then on, replacing ball joints is fairly easy--just unscrew the bolts once the ball joint is free of the vehicle.

This isn't "new" with the GMT400. I had a '66 Chevy Biscayne, and a '66 Olds Toronado that had riveted ball joints, when they were replaced, the new joints bolted in place. I bet the riveted ball joints go back long before that (but I've never done ball joints on a '30s, '40s, '50s car or truck to have any first-hand experience.)

No didn't think it was new to GMT400, and yea I know they originally came rivited, mine were when I got the truck, I have also done some for other people it is a pita at first... But then easier I find. Now I have to not only split the ball joint but disconnect the axle on both ends, then press it out then re assembly.

 

[Schurkey]

Now I have to not only split the ball joint but disconnect the axle on both ends, then press it out then re assembly.

Yep. I gotta do the same on the lower joints for my '97 K2500. I intended to have that done months ago, but I always find a reason to avoid working on my projects.

 

[Duallylife]

Yep. I gotta do the same on the lower joints for my '97 K2500. I intended to have that done months ago, but I always find a reason to avoid working on my projects.

Haha dont feel bad you're not the only one. I have tons of personal projects, bunch of stuff that needs repair or improving for the business, seems I never have time for it all, or that it gets "good enough let's go for now". Or I just dread the job cause I know what's involved so I quickly decide it doesn't need it right now... Would help if I had a shop, or atleast not a single car width driveway where you need to move everything just to get at your welder or tools haha.