How do I drill out original upper ball joint rivits? what size bit or bits should I use? After you drill do they fall out or is this job a lot of work? I have never done this before so any info will help thx

 

Rudy, I cut mine off with a cold chisel, I never even removed the upper control arm, just left it attached. That way I didn't have to mess with the spring.

 

If i where you i would double check that UCA. There infamous for failure, That upper control arm shaft has a tendency of trashing the UCA at its mounting point.

 

+1
If you're replacing the ball joint, make extra sure the UCA bushing is still in good condition. If it's not, you're better off replacing the arm as a whole.

 

crap ... i ordered both ball-joints, the spring saddles and the shafts

are you all saying I should have replaced the arm as well (i haven't taken it apart to have a look yet) ... ?!

 

You bet! may as well, well worth the dough. Those UCA are very weak at the mounting point, you have cone that far, may as do the LCA's as well.

 

I say from experience, if you can return the shaft and upper ball joint return it and spend about 25 more and buy the whole uca. I replaced the ball joint about 6 months ago and about a month ago I was going to replace the shaft. I ordered it about on march just never got around to install it. when I went to have it installed they told me the uca was no good so I had to order one. Guess what it came with shaft and upper ball joint. so now I have 2 semi new ball joints and 2 new shafts can return them cuz I don't have the receipt and it has been to long. So word of advice if you can return them and just save the hassle of going through the same thing I went through. ball joint 25+ shaft 30= 55, New UCA 80. prices are some what there if I remember correctly. I would also recomend to take advantage of everything being out of the way and do the sheby drop. I did and it now handles alot better.

 

that's exactly what I didn't want to here :-( I wanted to order the full UCA, but they were out of stock, so I got the parts for it. Never thought the UCA itself could be damaged as well. and if it's a known issue, then my 44 year old arms are probably the prime example.

crap crap crap ...
bloody shipping will kill me again and be left over with all those nice parts as well ...

I'll rip em out and have a look bvefore I re-order though

 

I guess metal fatigue is becoming an issue now. When I had my GT350, I pulled the UCAs twice, once when I did the inner shaft relocation and the second time when I installed the Boss 302 front springs (900# per inch). All I did was install right angle grease fittings and lubricated them the first time, the second time I did replace the inner shafts as they were worn. I never had a problem with the UCAs, but, this was 30 years ago.

 

I am going to replace conplete uca after hearing from you guys. I found the whole complete arm for 54.95 at car parts discount. thx.