I think I damaged my LBJ boot on one side removing my LT1 spindles for an LS1 brake swap. The ball joint seems pretty firm. I almost have to use two hands to move it.n Can I replace/fix the boot with the BJ on the car? Do I look okay to just go ahead and throw on the new spindles? Or should I be pulling the LCA and taking it to a shop to have a new ball joint pressed in? Car is a '97 SS with 157k miles

 

As I read your post, I was first going to suggest an Energy Suspension boot. Then I got to the part where you said, "157K miles". After hearing that, I strongly suggest a new b/j....

 

I was able to get the LCA off so I guess I'm going to go ahead and do LBJs. I've heard mixed things about Moog, any suggestions? I was just going to get delco at rock auto but figured I'd ask.

Should I be replacing the UBJ as well at this time or am I okay if it feels stiff and isn't leaking. The wheels had no play (while in air) before I removed them. I'd like to save $$$ if possible as other aspects of the winter project are starting to nickel and dime.

 

Go with Moog....they're the best. While you're in it that far, the uppers aren't all that big a deal to do.

 

So I ordered a Moog LBJ last week and went to button up the drivers side yesterday. Upper ball joint was spinning when I tried to tighten up the LS1 spindle. I tore everything back apart and ordered another LBJ and 2 UBJ's.

I don't want to look at my receipts.

 

I hate to rain on your parade, but unless you're pulling the upper control arm firmly into the spindle, when you're tightening the nut on the b/j stud, it WILL spin the stud. But again, with 157K on the clock, you're doing yourself a favor.


Here's a tip, if you're using a b/j press on the lower b/j's. Leave the LCA bolted to the car, that way you're not fighting to keep the LCA from dancing all over the place as you're tightening up the press....

 

You can get a factory complete upper control arm with bushings and ball joint for about 40 bucks but not a lower that I can find.

http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/199...brand=mevotech

 

that uses the mevotech ball joint and bushings, which are a FAR cry from the quality of the Moog Problem Solver line when it comes to build quality and longevity, based on every comparison of the brands I could find online.

 

I wouldn't put Mevotech stuff on any car I cared about.

Moog joints are usually pretty good. But just a heads up, they make them slightly oversized to fit tightly in arms with worn holes which means they can be quite a bear to get pressed back in. I froze the joint and heated up the arm to help it go together a slight bit easier.

 

Go with MOOG. I replaced my u/l ball joints and tie rod ends with MOOG parts and was very pleased. The quality is excellent.