Ball Joints

[Peter S.]

All,

Any recommendations on correct ball joints? Paragon part #13093K and 13094K? Does anyone have any experience with this ball joint, both performance and judging?

Peter

[Steven B.]

Re: Ball Joints

Peter, I have not tried the Paragon ball joints. When I replaced a couple of ball joints on my '77 during a suspension change about '79 my dealer told me the stock joints were the same as the ones used on 4X4 Blazer and pickups. I never checked it out. Maybe someone knows for certain. I do not have my parts books with me. If accurate you can possibly find originals.

Steve

[Peter S.]

Re: Ball Joints

Thanks for the response Steve. I'll check with my local dealer if they know, and if they have the part #. Peter

[Peter S.]

Re: Ball Joints

I'm also open to any other suggested ball joints that will judge correctly.

Peter

[Joe L.]

Re: Ball Joints

Peter, I have not tried the Paragon ball joints. When I replaced a couple of ball joints on my '77 during a suspension change about '79 my dealer told me the stock joints were the same as the ones used on 4X4 Blazer and pickups. I never checked it out. Maybe someone knows for certain. I do not have my parts books with me. If accurate you can possibly find originals.

Steve

Steve------

The 1963-82 Corvette ball joints, both upper and lower, were not the same as those used on pick-up trucks and blazers.

[Mike E.]

Re: Ball Joints

Peter ---

Here are a couple of threads that make some comparisons between original and reproduction ball joints for C2s & C3s.

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...on+ball+joints

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...on+ball+joints

For the most part they are close but not exact. In any case they should riveted in place receive maximum points. Are you sure yours need to be replaced? Lowers fail most of the time before uppers.


Mike

[Steven B.]

Re: Ball Joints

Steve------

The 1963-82 Corvette ball joints, both upper and lower, were not the same as those used on pick-up trucks and blazers.

Thanks Joe! I knew you would know. What other GM vehicles shared the same ball joints?

Steve

[Joe L.]

Re: Ball Joints

Thanks Joe! I knew you would know. What other GM vehicles shared the same ball joints?

Steve

Steve------


The only other models I know of are 1958-70 full size passenger cars. That's to be expected, though, because 1963-82 Corvette front suspension is very similar to 1958-64 full size passenger car and many parts interchange.

[Peter S.]

Re: Ball Joints

Peter ---

Here are a couple of threads that make some comparisons between original and reproduction ball joints for C2s & C3s.

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...on+ball+joints

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...on+ball+joints

For the most part they are close but not exact. In any case they should riveted in place receive maximum points. Are you sure yours need to be replaced? Lowers fail most of the time before uppers.


Mike

Hi Mike,

Yes, they are in desperate need of replacement. Thanks for your links, seems to be much discussion on the subject. I may have taken the site for granted in hoping for a direct recommendation. I still hold out hope that someone has used a replacement ball joint, have judged fairly well (minor deduct) and perform great!

Peter

[Kurt G.]

Re: Ball Joints

Corvette America and Corvette Central both have correct configuration ball joints.

[Peter S.]

Re: Ball Joints

Corvette America and Corvette Central both have correct configuration ball joints.

Kurt,

Any experience on the judging field with their ball joints?

Peter

[Kurt G.]

Re: Ball Joints

Yes. They judged great. Just make sure they are riveted in place. One other good thing. Ball joints are considered a safety item and as such are no longer judged as they used to be, but installation still is critical. No bolts or screws.

[Richard M.]

Re: Ball Joints

Peter, the part no. for the GM lower ball joint is 88911514, AC/Delco # 45D2016 they are made in the USA by Spicer, I've been told that the Moog brand is better, I do not know how either of these come out in judging but if riveted in place they should do fine. RichardMynatt

[Joe L.]

Re: Ball Joints

Peter, the part no. for the GM lower ball joint is 88911514, AC/Delco # 45D2016 they are made in the USA by Spicer, I've been told that the Moog brand is better, I do not know how either of these come out in judging but if riveted in place they should do fine. RichardMynatt

Richard-----


These ball joints are not configured like the originals. However, they are 100% equally functional.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Ball Joints

Ball joints are considered a safety item and as such are no longer judged as they used to be...

Kurt,

as a frequent chassis judge I have yet to hear that statement or see it in print. I have only seen this comment with regard to flexible brake hoses.

Patrick