1964 Dodge Dart 270 Slant Six Restoration

chinze57 said

It’s been a while but I’m back now.

I agree with you, I highly doubt that I’ll be able to get a new ball joint into the control arm and have it hold.

My dad however, thinks that if we get the old control arm out, we can get a new ballljoint in (they screw in).

I’m willing to try it, but don’t have much faith.

Classic Industries sells a replacement upper control arm and ball joint set for $299 for both sides.

QA1 sells a set (1964 DODGE DART QA1 Mopar Control Arms 52303), but I’m not sure how reliable they are. Does anyone have any experience with their control arms?

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It's not unusual for the BJ "threads" in the UCA's to be stripped. Sometimes people think they are pressed in and 20 ton press later...junk. There is a special socket to fit the UCA BJ, small and large. You would need the smaller.

The hole is not really threaded like a machine thread. More like a suggestion of a thread. Maybe when new, there was just a smooth bore in the UCA and the BJ cut the threads when installed.

At any rate, it's not uncommon to put some small welds around the outside of the BJ for added safety.

The UCA"s are a non-wearing part and can (and should) be rebuilt with bushings and BJ"s. If my BJ"s are in good shape, I keep them.

If it was me, I'd check the one you have and if not saveable, I'd buy a used one from someone on this list and go from there.

P.S. I find it easier to replace the UBJ while the control arm is on the car. It doesn't have to be fully installed but you can use some ordinary 1/2" bolts to hold the UCA .