hmm... lower ball joints keep breaking

[Mista M]

Ras, listen to Navy Lifer, it is not the control arm if the failure is at the threads. That is a case of the knuckle enlarging not allowing proper seating, causing upward pressure on the castle nut. Buy knuckles (rockauto.com), been there. But also measure your lower control arm holes to make sure they aren't getting enlarged also.

[RAS925]

hmm.. so If I get new knuckles and some different control arms then the prob. should def. be solved right?

[RAS925]

Originally Posted by Mista M

Ras, listen to Navy Lifer, it is not the control arm if the failure is at the threads. That is a case of the knuckle enlarging not allowing proper seating, causing upward pressure on the castle nut. Buy knuckles (rockauto.com), been there. But also measure your lower control arm holes to make sure they aren't getting enlarged also.

hmm.. I cant seem to find the knuckles @ the rockauto.com site.. anyway you can possibly give me a direct link?

[So FaSSt]

You won't need the lower control arms unless they are damaged. The GM part numbers are 18021052 and 18021053. They are available from GMpartsdirect.com for under $50 each.

[RAS925]

Originally Posted by So FaSSt

You won't need the lower control arms unless they are damaged. The GM part numbers are 18021052 and 18021053. They are available from GMpartsdirect.com for under $50 each.

So I'm guessing the different part #s are for the driver & passenger side ?

[So FaSSt]

Correct

[RAS925]

Alright thanks a lot guys.. Im gonna go ahead and just get a new set of knuckles and do the control arms as well.. hopefully this finally solves the problems so I can get this beast running right

[96 Black]

Originally Posted by Mista M

...That is a case of the knuckle enlarging not allowing proper seating, .

Yup. Mine got hogged out (likely from forgetting to give it the final cinchdown when replacing the BJs new the first time) - so it snapped, The replacement just kept getting worse until I started getting this wild 'jerkover' when making gradual turns.

Finally got a new knuckle -- and a 3rd BJ!

[RAS925]

so the 9/16s should be fine even with the rims right? or would it be better off doin the 5/8 conversion anyway?

[So FaSSt]

Originally Posted by RAS925

so the 9/16s should be fine even with the rims right? or would it be better off doin the 5/8 conversion anyway?

If you have a set of 5/8" lower control arms, might as well do the swap for added strength. But if it's going to be a major expense for you to get the 5/8" lowers, just go with the 9/16".