So I know what ball joints are (where they are located on the steering likage)...

Why would they need to be replaced, and if so, how is it done? What tools are necessary? Is it difficult? What purpose do they serve?

I assume mine are old ('86), and was wondering if it would be a good idea to change them.

Joe


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86 IROC TPI
700-R4
K&N Air filters

Just like any other part, they wear out over time, tolerances are lost and steering gets sloppy and dangerous.

To change them, you'll need a pickle fork and some new cotter pins.

If you are changing the lower ball joint on the A-arm, You'll need to drill out the rivets and use the supplied screws, If i remember correctly..

Lower ball joints are pressed into the control arm. There are no rivets or screws. You need a special ball joint press tool to remove and install them.

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Karl Hunter
Hunter Motorsports
Vancouver, B.C. CANADA

i think mac must of worked a chevy from the 60s. actually i was thinking i saw rivits on a thirdgen too.

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ICON Motorsports

1st & 3rd

Only some of the thirdgens have rivets in the balljoints, but they're easily ground off. If you have access to a hydraulic press, it makes life easier. Otherwise you can go the picklefork route, or use a "c" clamp with a power drill. Check out www.nextgenpars.com and look at the how to articles under the Formula 350. There's a full article on it. Also, check out www.p-s-t.com who I bought my front suspension from. They've got a good "how-to" article too. Hope this helps!

Hey- I messed up the first link! It's www.nextgenparts.com SORRY!!!!

Wow, thanks for that info about the nextgen website! I didn't know about those how-2 articles... I'll have to print those out for when I do my front suspension. Thanks again!


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards
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