65 Pickup Ball Joint Issue

[mtnxtreme]

I bought Moog Ball Joints K6023 for my 65, we removed the old with a press they were quite stuck, installed the new and they go in by hand, I mean snug, but by hand, double checked the application and the Moog number should fit. What gives ? Anyone ever had this issue, is it possible the control arm can be that worn ??

[scottofksu]

Do you know the history of your front crossmember or at least the control arms? Is it possible that a post 1970 crossmember or control arms were used? If you are certain the control arms are pre 1970 (i.e., the original arms) and based on my recollection that K6023's are already knurled; you may have a worn out control arm that has had one too many ball joint replacements.

[mtnxtreme]

Originally Posted by scottofksu

Do you know the history of your front crossmember or at least the control arms? Is it possible that a post 1970 crossmember or control arms were used? If you are certain the control arms are pre 1970 (i.e., the original arms) and based on my recollection that K6023's are already knurled; you may have a worn out control arm that has had one too many ball joint replacements.

Crossmember stock, the arms look to be original is there a difference to tell the later ones ?

[6T5C10]

I think Moog sells a Problem Solver ball joint that is a little bigger diameter to fit in worn holes. Sorry, I don't have a part number.

[cwcarpenter98]

The hole for the ball joint is the same size on the lower control arms for 1/2 ton 63 - 87. The taper is the difference.
I had some slight looseness to the ball joint hole on one of my control arms. It stemmed from my inexperience of working on trucks back within the first year I had the truck. I tried pushing the ball joint out the wrong way. Anyways, I put a new one in back then, didn't seem to have an issue, but noticed it was a smidge loose when I took it apart several years later. Somehow, as I was straightening the bent part back, I tightened up the hole somehow. All that to say, check to see if the LCA is bent up around the hole and maybe a hammer and some force can get it tightened up again. Is my method the most professional? Probably not, but if all else fails, you can tack weld the ball joint in or just replace the arm.

[Chevy Fleetside]

I had that problem. Did a heat shrink on it. Take a torch and heat up the lower hole really good. Put ball joint in and something under it to hole it in place and let cool. Will probably take at least 30 mins. Worked for me anyway.

[mtnxtreme]

Originally Posted by 6T5C10

I think Moog sells a Problem Solver ball joint that is a little bigger diameter to fit in worn holes. Sorry, I don't have a part number.

What a tease ! LOL

[mtnxtreme]

Originally Posted by cwcarpenter98

The hole for the ball joint is the same size on the lower control arms for 1/2 ton 63 - 87. The taper is the difference.
I had some slight looseness to the ball joint hole on one of my control arms. It stemmed from my inexperience of working on trucks back within the first year I had the truck. I tried pushing the ball joint out the wrong way. Anyways, I put a new one in back then, didn't seem to have an issue, but noticed it was a smidge loose when I took it apart several years later. Somehow, as I was straightening the bent part back, I tightened up the hole somehow. All that to say, check to see if the LCA is bent up around the hole and maybe a hammer and some force can get it tightened up again. Is my method the most professional? Probably not, but if all else fails, you can tack weld the ball joint in or just replace the arm.

Its pretty snug i was thinking of a few tacks !

[mtnxtreme]

Originally Posted by Chevy Fleetside

I had that problem. Did a heat shrink on it. Take a torch and heat up the lower hole really good. Put ball joint in and something under it to hole it in place and let cool. Will probably take at least 30 mins. Worked for me anyway.

Interesting, I would think if you heat it would maybe enlarge, did it weaken it at all ?

[Chevy Fleetside]

Originally Posted by mtnxtreme

Interesting, I would think if you heat it would maybe enlarge, did it weaken it at all ?

You don't make it glow. It is called heat shrinking. It will enlarge it but will cool smaller. Some will do that to get bearings back into housings, instead of pressing them back in.