Truth be told, I finished like a month ago. I've needed to replace some wheel bearings and haven't had time/money, so I don't have that initial testdrive yet.

However, I just got the latest issue of "Chevy High Performance" and I saw something. This was concerning the complete front end rebuild on a 2nd Gen Camaro, but my question still applies.

Ok, I got a PST Polygraphite Super Front end kit installed. On the upper ball joint, there is a metal "cup" that, according to the pictures, is mounted under the upper A-arm. The ball joint mounts thru the top of the arm and bolts in.

BUT, what I did was....I took the metal "cup" and tapped it gently into the ball joint hole with the dust boot installed. Next, I tapped the ball joint into that cup. Finally, I bolted it all up. graemlins/clonk.gif

Basically, I have the cup coming thru the top of the arm instead of under it. The boot still seals everything up and everything bolted up fine. But, will this work or will I have to take everything apart again? graemlins/sad.gif

I wish I could explain the situation better, but maybe some of you guys understand. If I HAVE to make it right, I guess I will, but I'm hoping it will be fine as is.

Thanks for any comments.

Why did you go w/ your idea instead of following the directions? Some of these polyurathane bushings have to be compressed properly, not sure why, but it must be for a good reason. I bought a trans mount and motor mount set of poly's, the trans mount had an extra plate to compress the bushing between the mount and support brace, the motor mounts had them too. Not sure why, It said in the directions I think. Those direction are long gone though. It might be alright but, I think those uppers are going to where differently/more, so you might just have to replace them again in a year or less if you drive it all the time. Suspension components are serious stuff, did you see what happened to that one guys white '70 chevelle? A bolt came loose, and the car rolled over.

I know EXACTLY what you mean, as I just finished mine. That cup is just a thin cover that has no structural importance, it's just part of keeping dirt out of the joint. The upper ball joints are bolted in, so the press-fit isn't an issue either.

I don't think you'll have any trouble because of it. Of course, it might bug you enough to redo it all, but I doubt it's necessary.

the problem is, if by doing what you have done, the ball joint is bing compressed. and the fit is too tight. if you cant move the ball joint threaded post by tapping it with a rubber hammer then you are pinching it and it will wear out very very fast. i think i would switch it back the way it is suposed to be.

I'm glad you guys could understand my description.

Chev65, I appreciate your concern. This is in regards to a boot and ball joint. No actual bushing involved. I had my Haynes manual, but there was no mention of this cup and PST didn't send any instructions.

Also, the ball joints that I replaced were the originals. I only tore one side down at a time, to leave the other as a reference point. The factory had placed the cup in from the top as I did. Also, I called a fellow TC'er today that also has a 70. He said his came the same way from the factory and he put them in the same as I did. He's put many miles on his 70 since then.

I have to agree that the cup isn't tough enough for ANY structural support and I think that it is just there to seal the boot. I remember being able to move it with a light tap to straighten it out to get it lined up with the spindle.

I have to believe that either it doesn't matter or the magazine did it wrong. Either way, my initial test drive will be very slow and only around the block. I'll just take baby steps and report back later.

Thanks for all the replies.

it seems like you know what your doing

I just finished my complete front end rebuild with the pst kit. I installed the cups per the instructions. Everything is greased and the upper ball joint boot and cup are sealed very well. This is the first time I have ever done this and it turned out well. I did buy the video which I felt was worth the 20$. It showed the step by step disassembly and installation. Actually seeing it done as opposed to reading instructions was very helpful for me. I am gettin the alignment done on Wednesday. Drag Strip soon to follow :D Justin, I see that you go to Rays Drag Strip. They did a segment on Horsepower TV on Ray and his Drag Strip. Man, that place is wild! You gotta bring your own water for Burnouts.

i too finished the same exact kit. 2 weeks ago but do to brake problems i still havent been able to drive it.
i think you should be fine if everything lines up but to tell you the truth i would go and ask pst.
the way they do their kits is really half assed they dont mark their bags and they dont give you instructions both are really stupid ways of doing it. :mad:

cmt454 (name?), yes indeed....George Ray's WildCat Hot Rod Dragstrip is my home track. The place oozes with nostalgia and I can't really imagine racing anywhere else.

Bring your own water? That's funny, I thought everyone had to bring their own. ;)

Oh yeah, you can lay down your own VHT too. :cool:

You should see about coming down one Sunday this summer or fall. You'd love it. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

www.geocities.com/georgeray12345 (http://www.geocities.com/georgeray12345)