Got the front end of my 75 P30 tore apart to replace the springs. My question is should I replace the Ball Joints while I am here? I have driven it about 25 miles and the steering seam pretty tight and tracks straight. Seperated the lower Ball joint to drop the lower A arm. Looking at what I can see, there really is no wear on the bolt, the rubber is in tack and not cracked anywhere. Would rather not tear it apart again, but don't want to replace if not needed.

thx
John

Unfortunately, the time to check the ball joint is before disassembly. It is very difficult to accurately test them when not under load on the vehicle.

If you PM me with your e mail address, I can send you a scan tonight of the GM manual checking procedures.

That said, new ones will probably be tighter, if your old ones have over 50K on them.

Choice 1: Replace now
Choice 2: Replace on the shoulder at 35F in the rain
Choice 3: Have Bubba replace them as soon as he makes bail

Or--you can call Bill N. and have him replace them in that 35* weather
Jim

I like Jims option


Kidding of course,

Bill, Thank you for the info.



John

You're already in there now. I would go ahead and do them.