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panther	I have read multiple posts about installing Rare Parts front lower ball joints. It seems that through the years the boot, housing splined then not and the castle nut then locking nut have been updated. My questions are: 1 is the BJ directional with the arrow on the bottom? 2should any lubricant be used in the bore of the control arm or bore of steering knuckle before the BJ is pressed in? 3 does the boot need to be removed from the new BJ before it is pressed into the control arm and then deinstalled after pressing in? 4 should the retainer clip be used? Since these are the newer version and the clips are still being shipped with them ?? 5 is the locking nut torque 70 ft/lbs 6 lastly confirming washer location. Does it go between the locking nut and the steering knuckle Thank you in advance for the help
ed monahan	You can call Ernie at 513 574 9577. He is a Prowler Tech who lost his job when Chrysler bought out dealerships years ago. He now owns Martini's in Cincinnati. Then hired all of his co-workers as his mechanics. Tell him I gave you his number and ask him those questions. Seriously, he will help you out.
padroo	You can contact Rare Parrs at rareparts.com at the bottom of the page. This message has been edited by padroo on 04-05-2024 at 04:11 PM
panther	I talked to Ernie the Prowler tech. He was very knowledgeable and helpful. He had all the answers. 1 the Rare Parts ball joint has an arrow on the bottom only as a symbol. It is not for any other reason. 2No lubricant is needed in the bore for pressing in the new ball joint. But will not hurt if used. 3 the boot doesn’t need to be removed from the new ball joint before pressing into the control arm . However. If you want to be 100 percent sure that the boot won’t get torn it is safer to remove it. I did , it wasn’t hard removing the 2 retainer clips and taking off the boot. 4the snap ring doesn’t need to be installed. Apparently some control arms are thicker than others . Not allowing enough of the ball joint housing to protrude out of the control arm for the snap ring to snap into. However after pressing mine into the control arm. Mine was through enough for the snap ring to be installed. With the boot still off it was fairly easy to install the snap ring with one exception. I had to grind the snap ring ears that have the 2 holes for the snap ring pliers, smaller so it can fit down in the recessed area of the control arm.then reinstall the boot with the 2 retaining clips. 5 yes the locking nut torque is 70 ft/lbs 6 the washer position is directly under the locking nut. The washer is slightly cupped.like a bowl. It should be positioned on the stud like an upside down bowl. Hopefully these little tips may help someone .
ed monahan	Good info. Thanks for reporting back with facts.