I do happen to have a set of ball joints sitting on the shelf waiting on an
install for the last 2 years; I guess I need to move forward.
Thanks
Al
----- Original Message -----
From: "Cregg Cowan" <cregg.cowan@sri.com>
To: <lindquistse@charter.net>; "Alan Salvatore" <6parts@charter.net>; "john
North" <jnorth@novagate.com>; <6pack@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, April 03, 2006 4:16 PM
Subject: Re: Front suspension issues --- progress!
> Fellow Enthusiasts,
>
> I've made progress on fixing the condition where my car sat lower (3/4" or
> so) on the left side.
> After replacing the usual suspects (all bushings and springs on all four
> corners) I discovered the ball-joint tapers were different.
>
> I installed matching ball joints and am glad to report that the left side
> height is much better! I want to let the suspension components (e.g.,
> spring pads) settle for a few days before I re-evaluate, but my simple
> where-on-the-leg-does-the wheel-arch-hit comparison shows no difference
> from left to right side. This is definite improvement.
>
> The long-tapered ball joint increased the distance between the ball joint
> and the lower spring pan on that side. (Recall that the upper end of the
> front spring fits in a tower rigidly attached to the frame.) It then
> makes sense that the side with longer distance would sit lower, because
> more distance must be taken up to reach balance (I'm struggling for the
> right words here --- a picture would help). The distance I measured
> between the upper ball joint and lower wishbone-trunnion thru-bolt only
> differed by 1/4 inch (left/right) with the
> mis-matched ball joints. It seems a little puzzling that such a small
> difference could make 3/4 inch difference at the wheel arch. However, it
> only takes a few pounds pushing down on a fender to move it down a
> noticeable amount, and the wheel arch is much further from the centerline
> of the car, so the effect would be greater there. In any case, replacing
> the ball joints was helpful.
>
> I would be interested to know if others out there with puzzling
> one-side-low problems also have a similar difference between the
> ball-joint and trunnion/wishbone.
>
> Regards,
> Cregg
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