Thanks!
How about making this a "new sticky"???
How about making this a "new sticky"???
PART UPDATE - FRONT SPRING INSULATOR
...
OLD (as listed in first post in thread)
13. Insulator, front spring upper (2 per car)
GM 15597425
GMPD listing
GM PART # 15597425
GM LIST: $8.60
OUR PRICE: $5.10
DESCRIPTION: INSL-FSPR
NEW from current Silverado coil-spring truck--this is a molded urethane part, with a locating "flange"--looks to be very tough, and will stay in place during spring installation far better than the original part--and not much difference in money, to boot.
GMPD listing
GM PART # 15737908
GM LIST: $9.89
OUR PRICE: $5.86
DESCRIPTION: INSULATOR
I'll take a picture and send it to someone who can post it...I'm hopeless with that.
Well, I didn't say "should use", I just recommended use of the OE lower nut for the reason stated. There are, I am certain, plenty of cars out there with replacement ball joints and "small" nuts on the lower ball studs, doing "just fine".Above its mentioned that one should use the factory castle nut on the lower balljoints, but it doesnt also mention the uppers. One should use it on those as well.
Factory OEM nut PN 14032551 is on the right compared to a nut supplied with a nut from a replacement (spicer) upper ball joint on the left.
Also:
Lower Control Arm mounting bolts: PN 15515185
Nuts: PN 15516074
Fuzzcar--
I did discover something, but I will say that my findings do not agree with what you stated.
I had enough different parts on hand to do some checking.
1. Moog 6141 5/8" BJ
2. ACDelco (Raybestos) 5/8" BJ
3. PPM 6141 5/8" (?) BJ
4. GM 14054921 5/8 thread castellated nut for lower BJ stud
My findings:
A. The nut in the Moog box and the GM production nut BOTH fit on the Moog and ACdelco 5/8" BJ without any problem.
B. The PPM 5/8" nut would not fit on either the ACDelco or Moog 5/8" ball stud. Likewise, the Moog and GM OE 5/8" nut would not thread more than a turn onto the PPM 5/8" ball stud.
C. Comparing threads, the thread pitch of the PPM ball stud is definitely not the same as OE. Not sure if it's metric or something else--appears to be somewhat coarser than both of the US branded parts.
Just to be sure--you weren't possibly using a PPM ball joint, were you?
Not quite sure I grasp your comment "It also appeared that the BJ stud was not tall enough to work with the GM nut"--the OE ball joint stud typically has an extended shank with the threads cut back (for easier assembly)--you are correct that the OE nut is taller, but there should be no issue with the flutes or castellated part of the nut being above the end of the (aftermarket) ball stud, which doesn't know the difference--there is still more than adequate grip on the stud, and more using the OE nut than with the nut that comes in either the Moog or ACDelco box. Actually, it appears to me that once installed & tightened, the OE nut will be just flush with the end of the ball stud.
What is (your) requirement as far as the ball stud length or nut height/thickness? Are you assuming the same drag strip/NHRA rule about wheel stud length (stud must extend beyond end of nut) applies in this case--or is there some other standard or rule (written or otherwise) that I'm not aware of?
Zack has acknowledged previously that his parts are not made in North America. I'm just as surprised as you to learn that the threads are unique to his supplier/source--and I'm curious what the specs are, too.You are correct! I am using PPM Balljoints. I assumed (ass-u-me) that because the part number was the same that it was a Moog BJ. In retrospect I never saw the name Moog on the box or on the website. It would be cool if Zack could chime in and let us know more about his balljoint.
Reposted from the original article:
Q: I've heard there are some problems with the ball joints in the Impalas. Is this true, and is there anything I can do about it?
A: Many Impala's and Caprice's come from the factory with improperly torqued upper and lower nuts on the ball joints. In addition, some are not properly greased. For the upper nut, the proper torque spec is 61 ft-lbs and requires a 7/8" socket. As per specs, tighten until the torque wrench "clicks", then continue the turn until the next notch in the nut comes clear for the cotter pin to go through the knuckle. Make sure not to exceed 60 degrees of additional rotation.
For the lower nut, the proper torque spec is 83 ft-lbs and requires a 15/16" socket. Just like the upper nut procedure, tighten until the "click" and continue to rotate until the cotter pin is cleared, and don't exceed 60 additional degrees. While you're down there, retorque the sway bar insulator bushing nuts to 18lb-ft. It should help out with steering feel, ride, handling, and the tendancy to "wander" on ruts or crowns. Here’s a List Of Torque Settings (Check All Of Them).
Front Suspension Torque Settings
Description and Torque
LH/RH lower ball joints nuts - 83 lb-ft
LH/RH upper ball joints nuts - 61 lb-ft
LH/RH front caliber bolts - 38 lb-ft
LH/RH front sway bar nuts - 18 lb-ft
Steering gear box bolts - 64 lb-ft
LH/RH steering linkage outer tie rod nut - 35 lb-ft
LH/RH steering linkage inner tie rod nut - 35 lb-ft
Steering linkage relay rod to pitman arm nut - 35 lb-ft
Steering linkage relay rod to steering linkage idler arm nut - 35 lb-ft
Sorry to bump a 2010 thread but Bill, do you have any info on the thickness of the truck spring isolator?PART UPDATE - FRONT SPRING INSULATOR
The original thread is not available for updating (by me), and I wanted to bring this to the attention of anyone who is doing a front-end overhaul.
Since the demise of the "old" GM, getting the OE front spring insulator (a flat rubber ring) from GM has been un-doable--the part has not been discontinued, but there doesn't seem to be any effort or urgency to restock it....OK, understandable in the "real world". So, the GM parts bin has come to the rescue.
OLD (as listed in first post in thread)
13. Insulator, front spring upper (2 per car)
GM 15597425
GMPD listing
GM PART # 15597425
GM LIST: $8.60
OUR PRICE: $5.10
DESCRIPTION: INSL-FSPR
NEW used on numerous GM coil-spring truck applications--this is a molded urethane part, with a locating "flange"--looks to be very tough, and will stay in place during spring installation far better than the original part--and not much difference in money, to boot.
GMPD listing
GM PART # 15737908
GM LIST: $9.89
OUR PRICE: $5.86
DESCRIPTION: INSULATOR
The OE production rubber cushion (fabric reinforced) is about 0.280" thick at the flange.
The recommended replacement - OE for trucks (the blue molded part) is right at 0.250" at the flange....use it!
Appreciate the support--I try!![]()