Ball joint sleeves

[tkleinia]

86 Chevy K10

Where does the upper mount actually pivot? Does the ball joint shaft pivot inside the sleeve, or inside the ball joint itself?

I am installing new ball joints. both ball joints are seated completely in the axle housing, but when I tighten the upper ball joint nut it makes it almost impossible to turn the knuckle (too tight) The nut is grinding against the housing.

The ball joint is pivoting inside the sleeve right now, and judging by the amount of build up around the old nut, it isn't supposed to work this way. If its not supposed to pivot inside the sleeve, what's the point of the sleeve?

[tkleinia]

After a bit of cussing, a few beers, and enough determination, I figured it out.

The parts store gave me two different upper ball joints (one made in China the other in Taiwan) and I had the two sleeves reversed side to side...

I am assuming the sleeves are threaded and removeable so they can be adjusted depending on the installed height of the ball joint.

Great site by they way. I'll have to post pics of 'ol Blue Thunder when she's back together.

[beastie_3]

When R&R the ball joints on a 4wd, any reason to mess around with the adjusting sleeve?