I got the energy suspension bushing kit for my car, figuring that i would do much of it while i convert my brakes to discs. When it came to do the front ball joints i was unsure why the kit has four pieces? As far as i can tell the top ball joint should not come apart, and i should just use the stock dust boot, but i kinda hope im wrong cause mine is torn and i don't wanna have to go buy more parts, but if that's the case then i will. And I'm assuming that if you are supposed to keep the stock one on the top are you supposed to use two pieces for the bottom? As you can tell i'm confused here and i need some clarification. Thanks

The upper ball joint is placed on top of the upper control arm and the boot and metal retainer are placed on the underside. There should be no need to re-use the old stuff.

The Energy Suspension ball joint boots differ from the stock parts. The stock type boot is in a metal shield that bolts under the control arm and the ES boots just slide over the stud like a tie rod boot does. My experience with the stock type has been less than satisfactory. So far I have replace the stock type boots twice and each time the rubber boot was torn and eventually fell off. This is not with high mileage or jumping the car "Hazard County" style, but normal driving of less than 6k miles. I have purchased the ES boots and will install them when I rebuild the upper arms this winter.
If a photo will help I can post both types side by side.

A photo would be great I think i get what you're saying, but a pictures worth 1000 words

The kit has 4 pieces because it contains the boots for all 4 ball joints. Still need the photo? I won't be able to post one until tomorrow after work. Us old guys have to go to bed early.

my concern is that the boot that is on there now seems like it is attached to the ball joint. should i cut it off and install the ES one or what do i do?

Yes you will need to remove the existing boot and metal retainer and install just the ES boot. I'll get you a photo this evening.

i don't think i need a photo, but how do you remove the metal retainer. it seems to me like it is part of the ball joint

I will need to get back to you after work, lunch time is over and I need to log off.

The metal retainer is held in place by the same bolts that secure the ball joint to the control arm.

This shows the stock retainer and boot. The retainer is on the bottom side of the arm and the ball joint on the top.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j199/64elcamino/77%20Nova%20project/front%20end/balljointboot1.jpg

This shows the Energy Suspension boot. You will need to slide it over ball joint to seal out the dirt. The control arm will hold it in place when the spindle is bolted on.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j199/64elcamino/77%20Nova%20project/front%20end/balljointboot.jpg

There are 4 boots in the kit, the 2 smaller are for the upper ball joint and the larger ones for the lower.

Ok that's why i was so confused about this, I still have the stock ball joints in and they are riveted on. Should I drill out the rivets and replace them with bolts or, now don't go calling me an idiot for even thinking this, can i tear off the rubber boot and put the bushing over the existing sleeve? I had one bushing that was off and i tried this out on it and it seems like it would work.

It is probably time to change the ball joints, they are 40 years old and the boots have been broken letting in dirt and water.

10 minute job to replace upper ball joint after the tire is off and the spindle is broke loose.
Get an air hammer with a chisel and a punch to use with it...
chisel the top side of the rivets off then change to the punch and punch the rivets down and out...no drilling!
I have always put the dust boot-retainer in from the top down just like the ball joint...I dont believe I have been doing this wrong in the past, maybe someone will correct me if I have been doing these wrong but I dont think so?
New bolts go in from the bottom up with the washers and nuts on the top of the A arm.
Special bolts and nuts should have come with your ball joints and must be used!
This is with stock replacement parts I have used in the past.

:secret:Pssst ..Dan... they come with instructions :D

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j199/64elcamino/77%20Nova%20project/front%20end/balljoint.jpg

Do you believe every thing you see? They can work both ways.
I put them in from the top as it causes less stress on the boot as mentioned and does not cause the boots to blow out nearly as kwik.
It may not be politically correct but works just fine if not better than the picture shows. Sorry,Thanks for posting the instructions!

haha thanks guys, I got new ones, I don't even know why i was thinking about keeping the old ones. I feel kinda dumb spending so much time trying to figure out how to take off the damn boot, haha