I know this is stupid, but does the pin go in with the "legs" on top of each other or side by side? And do you spread both legs :D or just one?

All this talk about ball joint failures has me a little paranoid.

How do you think you would get the job done by spreading one leg? :D

I don't think there's a right or wrong way of doing it, any way that makes it possible to secure the pin properly should be fine unless you're going for a concourse resto.

On the vast majority of castle nuts I have encountered, the legs were "side by side" and wrapped backwards around each side of the nut.

I didn't really look before I tore everything apart, but did anybody notice that the "castles" on the castle nuts are kinda below the cotter pin all together in some cases. I would think that the nut could back off a little till it hits the cotter pin. maybe the knuckle is worn a bit. I'll just have to keep an eye on it.

I have noticed this on quite a few ball joints and spindles, the hole seem to be bored a bit further out than it should be. I usually bend down the legs and the looped end of the cotter pin so everything is secured in the castle nut. Don't know if there's a more professional way to do it, but again, as long as it works...

If you get an assembly manual, they show all these little details. Neat stuff when restoring a car correctly.

I had the same question when I did the ball joints on my 64. I put them in side by side since it was easier and I didn't think it made a difference. I then made the mistake of looking at the assembly manual:clonk: and it makes it very clear that the cotter pin goes one leg on top of the other with the top leg wrapped up and over the bolt.

However, some connections get wrapped around and you would have to check the assembly manual for more details.

I hope this helps.

Ed