84 front lower ball joint ruined? (Page 2/2)
cmechmann JUN 11, 11:09 PM
I can't count the number of ball joints I have done. Including tack welded. The only suspension part that I will heat is a tie rod end jam nut. Unless I am replacing it.
The tack welds on those were only in case of pop outs due to the OE ball joints not having a safety snap ring. I use a small cut off wheel. And only cut the weld off the old ball joint. Then I would use the same wheel to cut the tapered stud off to use a ball joint press to remove it. And to install the new ball joint.
Most of the MOOG ball joints that I've seen for Fieros and Chevettes are "problem solver" ball joints. They are supposed to be used on control arms that have had several replacements and the opening is a little larger than normal. Not for damaged openings due to improper installation or removal.
I don't use the "problem solver" ball joints. They tend to distort the opening too much if the control arm was in good shape.
A few years ago I used Delco Advantage ball joints. I thought I was buying quality parts. Only to have them start to have lateral play in less than 15,000 miles. Normally these types of ball joints show wear up and down. I found lateral play odd.
I had found some older NOS from a brand that I have good luck with in he past. Over 40,000 miles now with no play.
theogre JUN 11, 11:55 PM
Moog and 84-87 Fiero...
Lower Front and Rear BJ are Not "Problem Solver" products.
Upper BJ can be "Problem Solver" product to allow more Camber adjustment when car is aligned. Even then often minor mod to UCA big hole to allow the BJ body to move much. Otherwise you only turn the BJ body 180° to adjust Camber.

Also made/make UCA bolt kits to allow more Caster adjustment but most alignment shops won't touch this or if they do often wants extra $ because not a standard job.
cmechmann JUN 12, 05:40 PM
https://www.moog-suspension-parts.com/moog-k6273


Look at the stamping on the bottom.

[This message has been edited by cmechmann (edited 06-12-2020).]

theogre JUN 12, 10:21 PM

quote
Originally posted by cmechmann:
https://www.moog-suspension-parts.com/moog-k6273
Look at the stamping on the bottom.

This is a Dealer that have a Hack to write a website and slaps whatever on most to all pages.

Real Moog is @ https://www.moogparts.com/
Front LBJ @ https://drivcat.com/overlay...artType=Ball%20Joint

Moog Stamped the "Problem Solver" name on most everything then add That ball cover is likely used on many parts not just K6273 but Often Does Not mean much or anything at install time. Very often Does matter "down the road..."

Again... Front lower and rear BJ are Not "Problem Solver" products and made to fit exact same as OE. I've been installing Moog parts for Many years and Never have problems you claim.

The BJ in them and boots might be considered "Problem Solver" items because made are far better then most OE BJ's from GM and several others.
From Moog K6273...
quote
Backed by superior materials and rigorous testing, MOOG® ball joints deliver reliable performance you can count on.
MOOG problem-solving innovations ensure fast, hassle-free installation.
• PROBLEM SOLVER® GUSHER BEARING — Metal-to-metal design provides strength and allows grease to flow through bearing surface for reduced
friction and long life
• STRONG & DURABLE — Ball studs are heat treated to match or exceed OE requirements to inhibit premature failure and improve fatigue strength
• GREASEABLE SOCKET — Reduces corrosion and wear by allowing new lubricant to flush contaminants
• RESTORES LIKE-NEW STEERING — Patented pressed-in cover plate seals out debris and minimizes looseness, reducing bearing wear and promoting longer life
• EASY TO INSTALL — Precision tolerances for easy installation and steering alignment giving you a perfect fit right out of the box
• COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE — Available for foreign and domestic nameplates


Several PDF you might want to read on same page under "Other Media" tab like MOOG Problem Solver EN-MOOG ENGINEERED Greaseable Design
The sealed non-serviceable example in the PDF is Not Rare and millions of cars have them.
cmechmann JUN 12, 10:33 PM
I stand corrected on that one. Just something that I had seen on many Chevettes when they were common. Man people used to beat the crap out of them.(the cars)
Some of my coworkers don't, but I still have faith in most Moog parts.
AsaBergman JUN 24, 08:42 AM
Thank you all for the responses. I'm aware the 84 control arms are different from the 85-87 arms but does there happen to be a difference between the GT and non-GT control arms?

I picked up a pretty much perfect driver side 86 control arm for barely anything and am now on the hunt for a matching passenger arm. Unfortunately an ebay seller sent me an 84 passenger control arm despite the listing being for an 85-87 so now I'm down $80 and more time.