Ball joint questions

[TTait]

I'm about to start replacing upper and lower ball joints - I have new lowers and NOS Uppers in apparently perfect condition. Have not inspected the old ones yet but while doing the rack I feel its time (feel compelled to talk me out of it?).

Should I remove the boots on the NOS uppers and replace the grease?

Should I do any modifications to the NOS upper units? Drill and tap for a zerk fitting? Where?

Do I need a nut splitter as outlined in the shop manual to remove the uppers, or is there another method?

I did ball joints on an explorer years ago - so I get the basics. Anything to keep in mind that is not in the manual?

I recall reading that with previous generations of lowers there were problems and it was critical to install them with an exact rotation before pressing them in - that is not the fact with the current units - right?


Overall I plan on replacing:
Steering bushing
Steering rack
tie rod ends
front shocks (DMCEU)
upper and lower ball joints
Sway bar bushings

All brake work, angle drive, and bearings were done an few years ago.

Any other must/should do items I may not have considered? Can't afford any other major upgrades, but if now is the time to do something...

Any help appreciated.

Tom

[Bitsyncmaster]

The NOS upper ball joints are already mounted on a steel plate. So there are just four bolts to remove and install them. I had my springs and shocks off and the upper joints were an easy replace.

[dustybarn]

The load on the uppers is a lot less than on the lowers. They hold up well; don't be surprised if yours are still OK.

The clocking of current lowers should not matter. I think almost everybody except for Hervey is selling Delorean Club UK lowers now, and they are really good reproductions.

The lowers can be replaced without removing the lower control arm or releasing the coil spring. You will need to lift the car high enough to fit your screw-press under the ball joint, and jack up on the control arm to hold the spring in compression. I placed a wooden pad between the jack and the control arm to prevent damage.

[TTait]

Thanks guys - no other "while you are in there" things to consider?

[Tillsy]

Thanks guys - no other "while you are in there" things to consider?

If there isn't, the car will create some along the way ;)

[dustybarn]

Thanks guys - no other "while you are in there" things to consider?

Have a look at the coolant hoses between the aluminum coolant pipes, the ones between the pipes and the radiator, the heater hoses, and the radiator bleed hose while the wheels are off.

[David T]

Have a look at the coolant hoses between the aluminum coolant pipes, the ones between the pipes and the radiator, the heater hoses, and the radiator bleed hose while the wheels are off.

As long as you are under the front of the car you should look it over for anything leaking, loose, etc. Make sure the fans are attached to the motor shafts, the radiator has no green stains, the frame is not rusted out, the master or slave cylinders are not leaking brake fluid, etc.

[Bitsyncmaster]

The NOS upper ball joints are already mounted on a steel plate. So there are just four bolts to remove and install them. I had my springs and shocks off and the upper joints were an easy replace.

Just remembered, the OEM upper ball joints have 4 rivets holding them in. So you need to grind those off. Then use bolts and nuts to install the new ones.

[TTait]

That stuff is all looking okay - thanks guys. Taking a lot longer than I expected. The big problem is the recent knee surgery which is slowing me down a lot... All in all I think its going to turn out nice.

[Szabi]

Those who already replaced the lower ball joints, what else did you find around the ball joints that made sense to replace at the same time? I think about bushings and other parts that do not last `forever`.

[sdg3205]

It's a good time to update to poly bushings, change tie rod ends, install lca braces etc

You can do as much or as little as you like

[Morpheus]

If there isn't, the car will create some along the way ;)

Quote of the day, right there.