1969 Lower Ball Joints Replacement Suggestions

[Steve M.]

I am doing a frame off on an October 1969 convertible. While going through the front suspension, it was obvious that the ball joints needed to be replaced. Any suggestions on manufacturer for ball joints that will pass judging and are made in USA? All comments appreciated. Steve

[Edward J.]

Re: 1969 Lower Ball Joints Replacement Suggestions

Steve, There are a few venders that are making the lower ball joints. Americas finest in California, corvette central carries them. I am not sure how well tested these parts are , maybe some one can comment on this, They have only been around for a few years now.

[Gary R.]

Re: 1969 Lower Ball Joints Replacement Suggestions

Steve...................Not sure the MOOG lowers will pass judging, the tops won't, but they are the best and I think still made here. They're what I use on my vettes. Watch out for the scams on these though. There are couple of well known vendors that were telling people their joints were "white box" MOOG but they looked nothing like the real deal USA made MOOGs. Some changed their tune after they were questioned - others did not. Personally I never use those common front end kits as the parts are mixed in them. My local NAPA told me their joints are reboxed MOOG and the only difference was the Name on the box. I told him I would buy 30 sets and when I went to pick them up they were stamped "made in China" Brand "xyz" I had a real USA MOOG in my hand to show them and they didn't have an answer.

[Bill L.]

Re: 1969 Lower Ball Joints Replacement Suggestions

Steve, There are a few venders that are making the lower ball joints. Americas finest in California, corvette central carries them. I am not sure how well tested these parts are , maybe some one can comment on this, They have only been around for a few years now.

Hi Edward,

I hope someone chimes in regarding the Americas Finest balljoints. My originals all have well over 100k on them and I am sure the lowers could use replacing.

Bill

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 Lower Ball Joints Replacement Suggestions

I am doing a frame off on an October 1969 convertible. While going through the front suspension, it was obvious that the ball joints needed to be replaced. Any suggestions on manufacturer for ball joints that will pass judging and are made in USA? All comments appreciated. Steve

Steve------


The only ball joints that will receive full judging credit (when correctly riveted) AND which are USA-manufactured are NOS GM. Period.

The ball joints on the market that are reproductions of the originals (i.e. AFC and others) are manufactured in China. However, I understand they are manufactured by a Chinese company that's a supplier to the worldwide OEM automotive industry, for whatever that's worth.

The last time I checked, the Moog-branded ball joints were USA or Canadian manufactured. However, these ball joints differ from originals in several ways. The most obvious are the configuration of the grease seal and lack of un-threaded extension on the stud.

Your upper ball joints may be OK. Upper ball joints last a lot longer than lower. However, unless they are really bad, it's difficult to assess their condition.

[Gary H.]

Re: 1969 Lower Ball Joints Replacement Suggestions

I had a pair of NOS ones come with my car. I have 77k miles and my originals still look fine.
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[Mike E.]

Re: 1969 Lower Ball Joints Replacement Suggestions

Below is a photo comparing the difference between the original lower ball joint and one purchased from Corvette Central. The most obvious difference is the boot shape and the casting has a nub on each mounting arm which is also apparent on Gary's NOS part shown above. The issue with the NOS part is the holes are oversized to accept bolts rather than a 5/16" rivet.





Mike

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 Lower Ball Joints Replacement Suggestions

The issue with the NOS part is the holes are oversized to accept bolts rather than a 5/16" rivet.





Mike

Mike------


This does not apply to LOWER ball joints. GM lower ball joints, both PRODUCTION and SERVICE, were identical. They both had 11/32" mounting holes to accept either 5/16" rivets or bolts.

The UPPER ball joints had different size holes in PRODUCTION and SERVICE. PRODUCTION had 9/32" holes for 1/4" rivets. SERVICE had 11/32" holes for 5/16" bolts.

[Steve M.]

Re: 1969 Lower Ball Joints Replacement Suggestions

Thanks for the replies. Since I am not in a hurry, I guess I will look around to see what going to shows up on Ebay. I was already going to Carlisle so I might as well add one more item to the list. Thanks Again,Steve

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 Lower Ball Joints Replacement Suggestions

Thanks for the replies. Since I am not in a hurry, I guess I will look around to see what going to shows up on Ebay. I was already going to Carlisle so I might as well add one more item to the list. Thanks Again,Steve

Steve------


NOS are out there but they're expensive.

[Mike E.]

Re: 1969 Lower Ball Joints Replacement Suggestions

Mike------


This does not apply to LOWER ball joints. GM lower ball joints, both PRODUCTION and SERVICE, were identical. They both had 11/32" mounting holes to accept either 5/16" rivets or bolts.

The UPPER ball joints had different size holes in PRODUCTION and SERVICE. PRODUCTION had 9/32" holes for 1/4" rivets. SERVICE had 11/32" holes for 5/16" bolts.

Joe,
Thanks for the correction.

Mike