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Quality lower ball joints. #3016127
02/16/22 07:43 PM
02/16/22 07:43 PM
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,167
clarks summit pa
73cuda340 Offline OP
super stock
73cuda340  Offline OP
super stock

Joined: Jun 2007
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clarks summit pa
I'm looking to buy new lower ball joints for my cuda. I've been searching for American made moog ball joints for it, but I can't seem to find any online, only the uppers. Are there any other quality replacement brands?


1973 Cuda 528 all aluminum Hemi, 4 speed, 3.23 Sure-Grip, (JA5) Silver Frost Metallic 1973 Challenger Rallye 340 1985 W150 Power Ram prospector 1986 Camaro IROC-Z 305 tpi
Re: Quality lower ball joints. [Re: 73cuda340] #3016145
02/16/22 08:40 PM
02/16/22 08:40 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,348
Eagle, Idaho
Neil Offline
The Doctor is in.
Neil  Offline
The Doctor is in.

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Eagle, Idaho
Check with Firm Feel?

Re: Quality lower ball joints. [Re: Neil] #3016148
02/16/22 08:54 PM
02/16/22 08:54 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,665
North Dakota
6PakBee Offline
I Live Here
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North Dakota


"We live in a time when intelligent people are being silenced so that stupid people won't be offended".
Re: Quality lower ball joints. [Re: 6PakBee] #3016170
02/16/22 10:15 PM
02/16/22 10:15 PM
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Omaha Ne
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TJP Offline
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Omaha Ne

Re: Quality lower ball joints. [Re: 73cuda340] #3016206
02/17/22 03:26 AM
02/17/22 03:26 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,473
N.E. OHIO, USA
A12 Offline
Too Many Posts
A12  Offline
Too Many Posts

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N.E. OHIO, USA
Search Advance Auto Moog K781 or Moog https://www.moog-suspension-parts.com/search.asp?pg=1&section0=&stext=K781

Advance Auto's price is $74 at my local store. What I did a few years ago was ordered some Moog parts and they actually had them in stock at two local locations. My closest store had one part of the pair I need made in USA and the other made in Mexico. I called the other store and both parts were manufactured in USA......guess where I went. wink

Moog lists the price as $81.01 on their site.

moog-moog-k781-360-giant-01-19.jpg
Re: Quality lower ball joints. [Re: A12] #3016209
02/17/22 05:30 AM
02/17/22 05:30 AM
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,651
Cut and Shoot, TX
kentj340 Offline
top fuel
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Cut and Shoot, TX
Before you decide what to buy, at least find out what NOS parts cost. The price might or might not be as crazy as you might expect.

I bought NOS lower ball joints for my car and was surprised that the movement between the ball joint stud and housing was 0.030" - 0.040" when new. The factory service manual says to replace lower ball joints when this reaches 0.070".

The original factory lower ball joints on my car arrived at 0.070" play at 160,000 miles.

If you want a hex tri-slot nut with SAE threads as original on your ball joint, note that many aftermarket ball joint studs have metric threads.


lower ball jt.jpg

If you don't see two dolphins, you need a vacation.
Re: Quality lower ball joints. [Re: 73cuda340] #3016236
02/17/22 10:08 AM
02/17/22 10:08 AM
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,275
West Coast, USA
jbc426 Offline
master
jbc426  Offline
master

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West Coast, USA
I had very bad luck with Moog ball joints, as have many others on this board. The last ones I bought fell apart in the box.

Moog 1 (Large).JPG

1970 Plymouth 'Cuda #'s 440-6(block in storage)currently 493" 6 pack, Shaker, 5 speed Passon, 4.10's
1968 Plymouth Barracuda Convertible 408 Magnum EFI with 4 speed automatic overdrive, 3800 stall lock-up converter and 4.30's (closest thing to an automatic 5 speed going)
Re: Quality lower ball joints. [Re: jbc426] #3016274
02/17/22 12:50 PM
02/17/22 12:50 PM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 19,237
north of coder
moparx Offline
"Butt Crack Bob"
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north of coder
i have been crabbing about moog quality for at least the last 15 years.
the rubber boots crack in less time than it takes to think about the word "crack", even without driving the car and having it stored in the garage.
the joints themselves also seem to wear out super quick.
i don't know what to recommend for quality joints these days, although ProForged seems to have a reasonable reputation.
it almost seems EVERYTHING is junk anymore.
just my opinion as an old guy mumbling in his cheerio's. your results will vary.
beer

Re: Quality lower ball joints. [Re: moparx] #3016884
02/19/22 06:41 PM
02/19/22 06:41 PM
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 15,713
Central Florida
larrymopar360 Offline
Stud Muffin
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Central Florida
Originally Posted by moparx
i have been crabbing about moog quality for at least the last 15 years. I
the rubber boots crack in less time than it takes to think about the word "crack", even without driving the car and having it stored in the garage.
the joints themselves also seem to wear out super quick.
i don't know what to recommend for quality joints these days, although ProForged seems to have a reasonable reputation.
it almost seems EVERYTHING is junk anymore.
just my opinion as an old guy mumbling in his cheerio's. your results will vary.
beer
Same here moparx. Moog rubbers suck now. You can email their customer service from their site and ask about a specific part number and they'll give you the country of manufacture. American made stuff usually good except the rubber; it'll still crumble apart likely within a month or so. I also agree with kentj340. I always try and find NOS first, mostly on ebay. I've been able to find stuff now and then and can't go wrong with that.


Facts are stubborn things.
Re: Quality lower ball joints. [Re: 6PakBee] #3016887
02/19/22 06:45 PM
02/19/22 06:45 PM
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 15,713
Central Florida
larrymopar360 Offline
Stud Muffin
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Central Florida


Is this a manufacturer or just supplier for different manufacturers? I notice they have the larger 11/16" tie rods for my AHB Diplomat. Interesting.


Facts are stubborn things.
Re: Quality lower ball joints. [Re: larrymopar360] #3016950
02/19/22 09:55 PM
02/19/22 09:55 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,193
Omaha Ne
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TJP Offline
I Live Here
TJP  Offline
I Live Here
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Joined: Jan 2003
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Omaha Ne
Originally Posted by larrymopar360


Is this a manufacturer or just supplier for different manufacturers? I notice they have the larger 11/16" tie rods for my AHB Diplomat. Interesting.

they are a Mfr, and rebuilder of unobtanium parts. hence the name RARE PARTS. Top notch outfit in my years of doing business with them. They do not try to compete with Moog, TRW etc.
Only other suggestion would be Kanter or PST who BTW are one and the same. I haven't had any issues with their "kits" (knocking on wood). They both also offer lifetime warranties. Haven't had to use that and hope I don't. I should clarify on the PST side I have stuck with urethane twocents beer

Re: Quality lower ball joints. [Re: moparx] #3016951
02/19/22 10:02 PM
02/19/22 10:02 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,193
Omaha Ne
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TJP Offline
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Joined: Jan 2003
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Omaha Ne
Originally Posted by moparx
i have been crabbing about moog quality for at least the last 15 years.
the rubber boots crack in less time than it takes to think about the word "crack", even without driving the car and having it stored in the garage.
the joints themselves also seem to wear out super quick.
i don't know what to recommend for quality joints these days, although ProForged seems to have a reasonable reputation.
beer


iagree and have seen the same on many vehicles. Almost seems as though the formula for rubber that lasts was discarded. Likely by a newly hired graduate trying to get the GOLD STAR award by saving them a few pennies. BTW he replaced the OLD man that made too much money. The rubber components on new vehicles last so I don't think it's an EPA thing shruggy twocents beer

Re: Quality lower ball joints. [Re: TJP] #3017044
02/20/22 10:19 AM
02/20/22 10:19 AM
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,401
northeast ohio
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hulmule Offline
pro stock
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pro stock
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northeast ohio
Yea used Moog, but every box was made somewhere else than USA. Hopefully dont have any issues. Dont think theres a good one made in USA


1969 Dodge Coronet R/T Convertible
1979 LiL Red x2
2012 Yellow Jacket
2006 mega cab
1977 Trailduster
1979 Trailduster
Re: Quality lower ball joints. [Re: 73cuda340] #3017274
02/21/22 09:00 AM
02/21/22 09:00 AM
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 88
IL
8
83hurstguy Offline
member
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IL
A lot of aftermarket companies (e.g., Ridetech) have gone to ProForged. They are made offshore in Taiwan, but the manufacturer claims they are in a high quality manufacturing area since Taiwan is a democratic country. I did research last year and couldn't find anybody saying anything bad about them, so I went that route for my E-body. They look decent, are pretty tight out of the box, won't be in service until the salt is off the roads here...

Re: Quality lower ball joints. [Re: 83hurstguy] #3017361
02/21/22 02:10 PM
02/21/22 02:10 PM
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,275
West Coast, USA
jbc426 Offline
master
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master

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Posts: 3,275
West Coast, USA
On a related note, when you grease your lower ball joints, be sure the front wheels are off the ground. That allows the grease to get between the internal contact patch of the joint. Until you lower the car at least.

I used these guys ball joints on my Mopars. They are holding up dramatically better than the Moog parts.

http://xrfauto.com/


1970 Plymouth 'Cuda #'s 440-6(block in storage)currently 493" 6 pack, Shaker, 5 speed Passon, 4.10's
1968 Plymouth Barracuda Convertible 408 Magnum EFI with 4 speed automatic overdrive, 3800 stall lock-up converter and 4.30's (closest thing to an automatic 5 speed going)
Re: Quality lower ball joints. [Re: jbc426] #3017533
02/21/22 10:15 PM
02/21/22 10:15 PM
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Michigan
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BlueRacer69 Offline
super stock
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Michigan
I need to replace my upper and lower ball joints too. Is the stuff that PST sells any good, and who makes their stuff? Thanks.

Re: Quality lower ball joints. [Re: BlueRacer69] #3017546
02/21/22 10:53 PM
02/21/22 10:53 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,390
Highland, MI.
Sunroofcuda Offline
master
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Highland, MI.
Speaking of all this suspension stuff, I bought a Kanter front-end kit back in 1991 & installed on my AAR. Ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings, etc. I bought a separate idler arm - probably Moog (I think Moog was good quality back in 91), & re-used the original fast ratio pitman arm which appeared to be good condition.

Anyway, the car has not been completed STILL! (I know, I know.....). Anyway, many of the dust boots have already split, & the rubber bushings for upper control arms look to be visibly splitting/deteriorating. Mainly though, did Kanter kits use good quality components?


No Man With A Good Car Needs To Be Justified
Re: Quality lower ball joints. [Re: Sunroofcuda] #3017627
02/22/22 10:20 AM
02/22/22 10:20 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,665
North Dakota
6PakBee Offline
I Live Here
6PakBee  Offline
I Live Here

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Posts: 10,665
North Dakota
Originally Posted by Sunroofcuda
Speaking of all this suspension stuff, I bought a Kanter front-end kit back in 1991 & installed on my AAR. Ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings, etc. I bought a separate idler arm - probably Moog (I think Moog was good quality back in 91), & re-used the original fast ratio pitman arm which appeared to be good condition.

Anyway, the car has not been completed STILL! (I know, I know.....). Anyway, many of the dust boots have already split, & the rubber bushings for upper control arms look to be visibly splitting/deteriorating. Mainly though, did Kanter kits use good quality components?


From just sitting? That is not good. I bought some complete TRW front end kits in the mid '80's that are still on a shelf in my garage. I'm going to have to open up a couple boxes and do a look-see.


"We live in a time when intelligent people are being silenced so that stupid people won't be offended".
Re: Quality lower ball joints. [Re: Sunroofcuda] #3017631
02/22/22 10:31 AM
02/22/22 10:31 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,193
Omaha Ne
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TJP Offline
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TJP  Offline
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,193
Omaha Ne
Originally Posted by Sunroofcuda
Speaking of all this suspension stuff, I bought a Kanter front-end kit back in 1991 & installed on my AAR. Ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings, etc. I bought a separate idler arm - probably Moog (I think Moog was good quality back in 91), & re-used the original fast ratio pitman arm which appeared to be good condition.

Anyway, the car has not been completed STILL! (I know, I know.....). Anyway, many of the dust boots have already split, & the rubber bushings for upper control arms look to be visibly splitting/deteriorating. Mainly though, did Kanter kits use good quality components?


They have a lifetime warranty or have had for many years. Not sure about that far back though.
See my first earlier comment (there are 2) beer

Re: Quality lower ball joints. [Re: TJP] #3017711
02/22/22 02:13 PM
02/22/22 02:13 PM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 19,237
north of coder
moparx Offline
"Butt Crack Bob"
moparx  Offline
"Butt Crack Bob"

Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 19,237
north of coder
moog rubber parts started to go downhill in the mid to late 80's.
at first, it was just the occasional tierod boot, but i thought it was just a possible bad batch.
then it started to show up as cracked control arm bushings in a car that was freshly restored, zero miles, and garage kept.
and yes, these bushings were installed correctly, and tightened with the full load of the car on the ground.
it has gone downhill since. i have voiced my displeasure about this for at LEAST the last 15yrs, and probably closer to 20.
however, it was happening long before i started to publicly complain about it !
almost every replacement part for our favorite toys has some form of overseas involvement in it, and since these parts are such a tiny, tiny part of any corporate profit, any complaints are just ignored.

"you need it. we got it. no one else has it. just buy it and shut up."

sad it's come to this, but it has, with no good outlook going forward.
just my opinion while mumbling in my cheerio's...........not sure how your mileage will compare..........
beer

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