Disc brake lower ball joints 65-72 small bolt pattern?

[65 Cuda 340]

OK, I'm redoing the front suspension on my 67 Barracuda. It started with I'm gonna replace the K frame. Then I decided that while I'm doing that, I'd go ahead and put in a PST 20:1 steering box. Then my tie rod ends looked a little sloppy, so I ordered some 11/16 tie rods and sleeves from Bergman. And, well, I also got his Delrin pivot and bushing package. Then someone on FABO had some new tubular upper control arms, I think from Firm Feel. Or whatever.

So anyway, at this point I figure I should go ahead and install new lower ball joints, although at this point they are still hooked up to the spindle, so I don't even know how tight they are. But they are 25-30 years old.

So, I look online and drum brake lower control arms seem to be readily available, but not disc brake lower control arms. In fact, I have not been able to find any.

So I did a FABO search and found a reply by hemi71x in reply to a for sale ad almost a year ago. The item was sold and no further replies are allowed. What he said was:

DISC BRAKE ball joints use 9/16 inch bolts to attach to the spindle, throughout all the years 1965, - 1972.

DRUM Brake ball joints use 1/2 inch diameter bolts.

A Drum Brake ball joint can be used, just by drilling out the mount holes to 9/16 inch"

I have a drill press. How hard would this be to do? Could I do it myself with sufficient precision?

Alternatively, is there a source for lower ball joints to fit small bolt pattern disc brakes that I'm unaware of?

 

[abdywgn]

Moog and probably everyone else used to make them. Rock Auto a no-go?

 

[65 Cuda 340]

Moog and probably everyone else used to make them. Rock Auto a no-go?

Checked, they have delphi for drum brakes and some off brand that doesn't specify, but I'm pretty sure they are for drum brakes.

And yeah, I've had no trouble finding the disc brake lower ball joints in the past, so I was kinda shocked by my search results.

 

[hemi71x]

Drilling them out to 9/16 inch is no big deal, as long as you have, or can buy, a drill bit that size.

 

[hemi71x]

Checked, they have delphi for drum brakes and some off brand that doesn't specify, but I'm pretty sure they are for drum brakes.

And yeah, I've had no trouble finding the disc brake lower ball joints in the past, so I was kinda shocked by my search results.

You raised my curiosity.
Did some checking too, in regards to "disc brake" lower ball joints.
Guess they are now getting to be on the unobtanium list.
Drilling, now the way to go.

 

[4spdragtop]

I bought Mevotech, listed as drum, but came with 9/16 holes.

 

[junkyardhero]

Kanter has them in stock, or at least did last week.

mevotech MS25523/24 are available thru the jungle store

 

[340sFastback]

I bought a pair of these disc brake ball joints a while back. I never used them cause I went big bolt pattern and sold them to member Nutz recently. They seemed like good quality:

1962 - 1972 Dodge Plymouth Lower Ball Joint Set Disc Brakes

 

[65 Cuda 340]

I bought Mevotech, listed as drum, but came with 9/16 holes.

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That's what I called an "off brand" that Rock Auto has. Good to know they have the larger holes, although I pity the guy who buys these for his drum brakes.

 

[4spdragtop]

I've been using Mevotech for years on our DD's. Maybe not a recognized name with vintage mopars, but I wouldn't call it an off brand. Bought from my local parts store.

That's what I called an "off brand" that Rock Auto has. Good to know they have the larger holes, although I pity the guy who buys these for his drum brakes.

 

[junkyardhero]

That's what I called an "off brand" that Rock Auto has. Good to know they have the larger holes, although I pity the guy who buys these for his drum brakes.

mevotech certainly isn't an "off brand", i'd consider them to be a top tier parts manufacturer. while they do have specific, cheaper, lines their "supreme" pieces are quite good in fit, finish and durability. i've been using them on the front ends of these old thangs for several years now with nary a problem.

 

[65 Cuda 340]

I never heard of them, but then I'm a decade or two out of date. Rock Auto's numbers match 4spd's, so I just ordered a set on ya'll's recommendations. Thanks for the input.

 

[4mulas]

Geeze, I wonder what my true NOS Moog disc brake ball joints (7021 and 7023) are worth now….
I’ve been hoarding them for quite some time thinking I may use them down the road but it’s looking more and more like I won’t..

 

[junkyardhero]

Geeze, I wonder what my true NOS Moog disc brake ball joints (7021 and 7023) are worth now….
I’ve been hoarding them for quite some time thinking I may use them down the road but it’s looking more and more like I won’t..

i've paid upwards of $130/ea for factory NOS units, so depending on when they were actually mfg'd, maybe about half that? if somebody *really* wanted 'em.

 

[4mulas]

i've paid upwards of $130/ea for factory NOS units, so depending on when they were actually mfg'd, maybe about half that? if somebody *really* wanted 'em.

New no name ones for drum brakes are $80 (Delphi)

So I don’t think you’re right on this one. These are the high quality moods new in the box…

I’ll just keep them in case

 

[junkyardhero]

New no name ones for drum brakes are $80 (Delphi)

So I don’t think you’re right on this one. These are the high quality moods new in the box…

I’ll just keep them in case

delphi isn't a no-name brand. they've been around for ages and make good stuff.

i've been known to be wrong before. however, if i'm tasked with NOS ball joints, i'm searching out factory stuff and paying the premium on it. to me, old moogs would fall in between that and what i know is top quality and can get currently, and that's where my price point would be.

if they're less than 15yrs old though, they're likely just as rubbish as the new stuff.

 

[4mulas]

if they're less than 15yrs old though, they're likely just as rubbish as the new stuff.

They are not. They are the real true high quality NOS ones of the past. I don’t thing Moog has even made them for the last 20 years

Anyway. It doesn’t matter

Cheers