This is my first restoration and I am trying to replace the lower ball joints. I can almost push the new ball joint in by hand, but to make sure It was tight I used the C-clamp style press. When I remove the press and gently wiggle the ball joint it falls out. Does this sound like a bad lower control arm or the wrong ball joint?
If it is a bad control arm, what other years besides 70 will work? Need some help please!

thanks

jay

I had that same problem on my 72 but I pressed them in and out a couple of times. My understanding is you only get a couple of presses (orig ball joint and maybe 2 more) in before the metal stretches like you're experiencing. I tack welded mine in and they are fine. Many will recommend you replace the contol arm. IMO as long as the LCA is not cracked, the tack weld method is no problem.

I think the lowers are the same for all A Bodies from 64-72. I'm sure someone else on here better knows that answer.

I thought about tack welding them in but wasn't sure if that would affect the ball joint. thanks for the info.

The "tack" weld is not for strength, but to seat the ball joint during re-assembly. 2 small tacks is all you need.

Check the control arm for other cracks though especially around the front edges.

Pete has a kit to reinforce the lower front LCA's: It's pretty simple.

http://www.einstyn.com/

You can see how I did mine with his kit here:

http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/HGSR/galvrame3.JPG

I tack welded mine in 3 places but I'm sure 2 is fine also. Another option is to buy a "Saver" ball joint that has the body .010" or .020" oversize(I forget the actual amount). If you go this route, it will definitely be the last ball joint you'll put in the arm because it stretches the pocket so much.