55 T'bird repoduction ball joint problems | Ford Thunderbird forum club group 1955-2005 models
  • We're glad you found us via a search engine! Right now, you can join our club absolutely free and unlock member only features like the site search! This notice only appears once! It only takes 30 seconds to register, and we would love to have you as part of the World's largest Thunderbird Forum/Club! Click here to continue

55 T'bird repoduction ball joint problems

  • Thread starter Thread starter 55birdman
  • Start date Start date
55birdman

55birdman

Reaction score
25
Thunderbird Year
1955
I recently ordered a complete set of replacement ball joints for my '55.
Very briefly; they don't fit being too thick (~.06 -.12") and were supplied with metric hardware!
The vendor willingly replaced them but these are identical to the first batch.
What I'm seeing is that the faces of the bolt holes are not finished/machined. Looking at the pictures of these ball joints from many other vendors, regardless of price, and they vary greatly, none appear to be as the originals on which all mounting surfaces were machined.
I wonder if anyone else has run into this issue and can reccomend a source of OEM-like units?

This page contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated. As an eBay Partner, and Amazon Associate I may be compensated if you make a purchase at no cost to you.

 
what do you mean, too thick?
The ‘lugs’ where the bolts go through are taller than the originals. This area must fit into the ‘C’ shaped opening in the control arms and they will not. I’ve had to machine as much as 1/8” off. The lowers ones were worse than the upper.
 
Back
Top