I have a 1989 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z 1989...

I went to Canadian Tire to get some new ball joints for my car, and the guy said their was a regular size listed and a oversize one? What do I need for my car?

Thanks!

 

Regular.

 

Why is their an oversize?

 

In case the hole in the LCA is damaged...eg ovaled... NAPA chassis parts line is a nice replacement piece

 

The differences in sizes is ..The first type is OEM relpacement,This is the one to use! The second one is .005 oversize in diameter where it is pressed into the lower control arm DO NOT USE THIS UNLESS YOUR CONTROL ARM IS DAMAGED [worn out in this area] If if try to install this in a control arm that isn't worn or damaged is this area ,it will be when your done![it would be a good time to consider a replacement unit w/new control arm bushings ] NAPA makes a very high quality replacement unit [Tell em you want the good stuff] It's a much better part then MOOG in my opinion, Another fact to note is when replacing a IDLER ARM or DRAG [center] LINK assembly ,like any thing else you get what you pay for A high quality relacement may cost you 5 times more ,but will last 10 times longer!If you Install the cheap parts on your IROC It Wont like you any more! [Not to mention loss of steering control feeling] The cheap parts cannot hold up to 16'' tires and 'deflect' quite noticeably, The bottom line is ...If ya cant afford to fix it right ,Then you shouldn't own it! And dont forget ,after any repair to the front suspension/steering linkage have a Quality front shop do a performance alignment on it ! Good luck !

 

I used the oversized on my 85 z that has 150,000 miles.

 

Let me update my last reply ,everytime you R&R a ball joint ,The hole in which it is installed becomes slightly larger If you are replacing it for the first time ,the standard replacement size should work fine . There is a special tool for doing this correctly .If it comes right out with little effort or you can knock it out with a hammer with ease ,then I would consider an oversize part ,its up to the discrection of the installer ,hope this clears things up ! ROYAL TRENT 20 yr Master ASE Tech OWNER ROYALT's DYNO SERVICE WHITE CITY OR

 

Make sure they give you the right one. I went bought a balljoint and it was a pain to press in. Go back a few days later to get one for the other side and the one they give me is different. I inquired and it seems the first guy gave me an oversize one.