Reproduction Ball Joints

[Roger D.]

Folks, I bought some reproduction upper ball joints that were marketed as acceptable for NCRS judging. I notice that the rubber boot material seems to be much thinner in construction than the originals. Also the boot doesn't seem to be secured well at the base. Has anyone else seen this in their reproduction ball joints? If so have they worked ok in service? Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

Regards,
Roger

[Joe L.]

Re: Reproduction Ball Joints

Folks, I bought some reproduction upper ball joints that were marketed as acceptable for NCRS judging. I notice that the rubber boot material seems to be much thinner in construction than the originals. Also the boot doesn't seem to be secured well at the base. Has anyone else seen this in their reproduction ball joints? If so have they worked ok in service? Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

Regards,
Roger

Roger------

The NOS GM ball joints referenced below appear to have been stored under water but they should easily clean up and, if the price stays where it is, are a good deal. These ball joints are identical to the originals used on your car EXCEPT that the rivet/bolt holes are slightly larger to accommodate 5/16" bolts. ALL GM SERVICE upper ball joints were like this. The reproductions may have the original PRODUCTION hole size but, as you've noted, they differ in other ways.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-63-82-PAIR-OF-GENUINE-GM-CHEVROLET-UPPER-BALL-JOINTS-3865827-STUD-CORVETTE-/331113928525?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4d17ed974d&vxp=mtr

[Steven B.]

Re: Reproduction Ball Joints

Other than NOS what do you recommend for non-judging, heavy duty and high quality? Moog? Others?

[Edward J.]

Re: Reproduction Ball Joints

Other than NOS what do you recommend for non-judging, heavy duty and high quality? Moog? Others?

Steve, I like using the Moog products at my shop, It seems the quality of the products and longevity is a problem today more so in the last 8-10 years, they still make a good product and its one of the few I trust. NOS stuff is crazy. as I would never pay a 100. a ball joint myself. I am sure there are people that will. In judging ball joints for originality the points are not worth the cost. its only a minor deduction. and generally speaking the uppers are not as common a failure as the lowers.

[Joe L.]

Re: Reproduction Ball Joints

Other than NOS what do you recommend for non-judging, heavy duty and high quality? Moog? Others?

Steve------


For functional replacements, I'd go with Moog. I've never had any problems with Moog suspension parts. Their configuration is quite a bit different than OEM but they work great and are very durable. All of the Moog pieces I've used in the past were USA-manufactured. Whether they all still are, I do not know. Sometimes, manufacturing sources change over time.

[Roger D.]

Re: Reproduction Ball Joints

Joe, All, I understand the merits of buying a good set of ball joints as the point deduction is small. Back to the original question though I'd like others experiences with using reproduction ones like I did. I just don't want to put them on the car if I'm just going to have problems with them. Like ya'll have pointed out, it may not be worth the originality points I'm looking for.

Thanks.

[Joe L.]

Re: Reproduction Ball Joints

Joe, All, I understand the merits of buying a good set of ball joints as the point deduction is small. Back to the original question though I'd like others experiences with using reproduction ones like I did. I just don't want to put them on the car if I'm just going to have problems with them. Like ya'll have pointed out, it may not be worth the originality points I'm looking for.

Thanks.

Roger------


The reproduction ball joints have not really been around too long. Also, the folks that use them are probably the kind of folks that don't drive their cars very much. Consequently, I doubt that there's very much of a "track record" regarding the serviceability and, especially, durability of these things.

I have been told that these ball joints are manufactured in China by a firm that is an OEM supplier to the automotive industry.

[Dan H.]

Re: Reproduction Ball Joints

Joe, Roger, I've had AFC A arms/ball joints on my 64 for over 16K miles. These are permanently lubed and have a zerk fitting for show. No problems or wear I can tell, I drive the heck out of the 64.
Dan

[Roger D.]

Re: Reproduction Ball Joints

Thanks folks. Like Dan in the last post, I intend to drive the car on most weekends when the weather is nice. I'll have to give it some more thought before I put them on the car. For the lowers, I ended up purchasing a set of lower A-arms from AFC with joints already mounted. It's the uppers that I'm wondering about.

Joe, one last question.... even if it was only originality I was going for then I assume that there will still be point deductions from these riveted ball joints because they are not just like the originals? If so, then I would be losing anything by buying some good Moog joints as mentioned earlier? It just didn't seem right to have riveted on the lowers and bolted on the uppers.

Roger

[Kurt G.]

Re: Reproduction Ball Joints

Remember, ball joints are now judged as safety items, so no problem on the judging aspect for after market.

[Joe L.]

Re: Reproduction Ball Joints

Thanks folks. Like Dan in the last post, I intend to drive the car on most weekends when the weather is nice. I'll have to give it some more thought before I put them on the car. For the lowers, I ended up purchasing a set of lower A-arms from AFC with joints already mounted. It's the uppers that I'm wondering about.

Joe, one last question.... even if it was only originality I was going for then I assume that there will still be point deductions from these riveted ball joints because they are not just like the originals? If so, then I would be losing anything by buying some good Moog joints as mentioned earlier? It just didn't seem right to have riveted on the lowers and bolted on the uppers.

Roger

Roger------


The uppers can still be riveted to the a-arms. I doubt that anyone could discern the difference in rivet size, especially if it was done cleverly. Obviously, once the rivets are installed, no one could see the rivet holes. However, if it's as Kurt mentions, maybe the whole issue is moot.