Suggestions for stripped out lower control arm ball join socket?

[idrivemopar]

Installing ball joints today, uppers, K772's went fine. Installing the lowers, K719's and one was able to be torqued, the other, not so good luck.

What can i do here? I dont want to have it welded in.

Does anyone have a set with good threads they would like to get rid of?
Are there aftermarket lowers available?

This really blows!!!

 

[RustyRatRod]

It's a pretty accepted method to simply tighten them up as far as they'll go without stripping and spot weld them in. Won't hurt a thing. I go a little mor ethan a spot weld at 12, 6, 9 and 3. Maybe like 3/8" long. Especially on the lowers since they do hold most of the weight.

 

[69Bee]

Maybe I am missing something, but out of all the ball joints I have done, uppers screwed in and the lowers pressed in. I agree with tacking in the joint to make sure it stays.

 

[RustyRatRod]

I've never seen a Mopar car press in. Trucks, yeah but not cars. But just cause I aint ever seen it means absolutely nuthin. lol

 

[69Bee]

Let me expand on that. On my 69 and in my 72 Plymouth manual, lowers unbolt from the knuckle as an assy. On my 74 Charger, they pressed out/in. On page 2-13 and 2-14 in my 74 service manual, the removal and installation specifically says to press them out and in. I agree with the statement about the trucks and vans.

And, I have never seen a screw-in lower joint, but as you said, that doesn't mean they are not out there.

 

[RustyRatRod]

That's right. The Mopar world is one where "never say never" means just that, I have learned...and most times the hard way. lol You know...there are SIX sizes of Mopar screw in ball joints? There sure are. I have the two most popular sockets.

 

[69Bee]

Yep, I have the one thats fit my B-body 69 SuperBee and 74 Charger.

 

[idrivemopar]

I was told from MoparMark, that 73 was the last year for threaded lower ball joints and 74 went to press in.

My problem, the lower control arm is so bad that i can just push the ball joint in, and the threads dont grab at all, so i would like to avoid welding it.

 

[RustyRatRod]

I was told from MoparMark, that 73 was the last year for threaded lower ball joints and 74 went to press in.

My problem, the lower control arm is so bad that i can just push the ball joint in, and the threads dont grab at all, so i would like to avoid welding it.

Then it sounds like you probably need another control arm. I wish they were the same as the A body, as I have a pair.

 

[idrivemopar]

Yep! I got the word out everywhere i can think of looking for another set, hopefully with good threads!!!!

 

[RustyRatRod]

Yep! I got the word out everywhere i can think of looking for another set, hopefully with good threads!!!!

Lemmie see what we got around the shop. Rodney has a LOTTA stuff. Is it the driver or passenger side?

 

[daredevil]

i have a pair. Will check tommorrow

 

[RustyRatRod]

I checked this morning and we don't have any.

 

[YY1]

73 is a transition year. Early build have screw in and late builds have press in.

I'm trying to find out if this also coincides with the switch from pin calipers to sliders.

If it were me, I'd weld just enough to keep them in, anticipating grinding off the welds to replace the BJ one more time during my lifetime.

 

[idrivemopar]

I dont know what constitutes early versus late build, as i have seen one other 73 that was built in November 72, and mine was built in April of 73. It has pin type calipers, just an FYI, and when i got my replacement spindles, they were from 73 charger and they are also pin type!

 

[wedgie]

I had the same issue with the upper ball joints on my '65. I ended up changing to RMS adjustable tubular A arms. Ball joints were already installed. Also installed his lower control arm adjustable struts. Best thing I have ever done on the front suspension.

 

[idrivemopar]

Good news!!! I found another set.

Daredevil, let me know if you found a set, it may be good to have an extra set on hand if needed.

Thanks everyone for helping and suggestions!

 

[daredevil]

I,m gonna hang on to them since you found some.

 

[idrivemopar]

Understood, and I dont blame you. I just hope these are a good set, we shall see once they arrive. Keeping my fingers crossed! LOL

 

[idrivemopar]

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!!!! Success!!!! The replacement set i got worked out and after de-rusting and powder coating, the ball joints went in successfully and torqued to spec!!!!