Just noticed this oddly fit lower ball joint on my 70'. Appears to have pushed out of the A arm. It seems that coil spring pressure, would prevent that from happening, but ..... Looks like it's been this way for years. I cleaned it for pics. Maybe an A arm problem? I assume correcting the problem will affect the alignment, since the ball joint will be sitting higher. Apprecitae all thoughts.

Ball joint picture: http://www.flickr.com/photos/10058179@N05/sets/72157603774681228/

Yeah, looks crooked. But there aren't many threads showing pas the castle nut. do you even have a cotter pin in the castle nut?

When you change it, look the arm over in that area for cracks. That's where they break.

DG:yes:

looks like its in crooked. i would try to press the balljoint back in and if that will make it fit loose you will have to get a new control arm and balljoint. it is supposed to be a tight fit.

If it has been like that for years, I think the lower arm may be toast. The sides of the ball joint has what appears to be unusual wear from the joint "rocking" in the arm. For safety I would replace that arm.

just so you'll know the lower control arm is the one that commonly breaks right where it is the thinnest next to the ball joint ....... think happy thoughts & cross your fingers until you replace it !!! ASAP !!!

I have seen similar things happen on other cars when ball joints seize. Does it move when you turn the wheels?