Ball joint fell off!!!!

[doubledoyle]

Hi guys i need some advice,
Last saturday whilst out driving one of my lower ball joints came un done dropping the truck down onto the front suspension. I can't understand how this happened, only 3 weeks earlier all the ball joints were checked and had new split pins.

Ive only had the truck on the road 3 weeks and the previous owner had disc brake conversion and a new master cylinder fitted.
Am i right in thinking that i could have ball joints with the wrong taper?
seems like maybe if the ball joint was locked then everytime i turned it may of been un doing the nut on the bal joint?

[lolife99]

Got any pics of the suspension?

The castle nut on the ball joint should have a cotter pin running thru it to prevent it from backing off.
The wrong size ball joint in a larger spindle hole might cause it to break.

[doubledoyle]

I can get some pics tomorrow if needed, i fitted new cotter pins to all ball joints, oh also it has power steering

[doubledoyle]

Does anyone know if there a taper different between 63 and 71/72 ball joints

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by doubledoyle

Does anyone know if there a taper different between 63 and 71/72 ball joints

yes.

[lolife99]

Upper Ball Joint:
Grouped by Differences:
C10
*60-62
*63-70
*71-72
*73-87
C20
*71-87

Lower Ball Joint:
Grouped by Differences:
C10
*60-62
*63-70
*71-87
C20
*71-87

[doubledoyle]

Thanks mate, ill have a look over the next few days, Also are stock cotter pins hardened?

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by doubledoyle

Also are stock cotter pins hardened?

Not that I know of.

[chevy_mike]

Originally Posted by doubledoyle

Thanks mate, ill have a look over the next few days, Also are stock cotter pins hardened?

If they were hardened, you would not be able to bend them.

Sounds like you might have the wrong ball joints but without pics, it's hard to say.

[Captainfab]

Did the ball joint separate from the spindle, or did the ball joint itself come apart. I once had a lower ball joint come apart. Luckily my wife at the time was driving slow on a dirt road.

[doubledoyle]

Hi guys

Well the nut came off the ball joint, but whilst trying to get it re fitted the ball joint itself fell out of the bottom arm..

[doubledoyle]

Hi guys

Heres some pictures of the front end thats fitted, Any information people have would be great

[doubledoyle]

[doubledoyle]

Everyone one else seeing red crosses? my computers being a real F***er

[FetchMeAPepsi]

nope pix are showing up fine

[padresag]

so did the the ball joint come right out of the arm. the nut came off . loks like you have it back together??
you are questioning the taper why? did it not feel right going together.
How were they checked and what for. you do not have to take the nuts off to check them.
why are your wheel studs so long?
ron

[dougf]

Those wheel studs do look quite long. No harm I suppose. Replace the cotter pins and make sure they are on correctly. Ensure everything is in order, make sure the other ball joints are not worn, etc... Your brake lines look good. How are the wheel bearings? I dont recognize that front disc setup, doesnt look like its from a 73-87, know the history of it? Your tie rod ends look new, and your upper ball joints have been replaced... Just make sure everything is inspected and replaced if worn.

[doubledoyle]

Hi guys dont know the history, just trying to find out what year hubs are on it?

[Captainfab]

The rotors appear to be typical '71-'87 C10 rotors. Do they have the 5 x 5" wheel stud pattern? I have no idea on what brand or application of the dropped spindles you have. Are there any markings or numbers on them?

Originally Posted by doubledoyle

Hi guys dont know the history, just trying to find out what year hubs are on it?