Definitely use the originals if they are good. When I rebuilt the suspension on my 56 wagon I replaced everything except the ball joints. Just got the washer and seal kit. My car checked out good at the alignment shop and with 670-15 bias ply tires it drives better than my daily driven 4x4.

Durham Missouri

Paul;

I bought new seal and washer sets for both the upper and lower ball joints. The new ball joints didn't come with any. These seal and washer sets are from Classic Auto Parts in Oklahoma City and are just like the originals. They are in the pictures I attached. I'll just use them on my original parts.

Thanks!

Rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

Rono: My 57 had a torn lower ball joint seal. The mechanic was able to obtain a seal for it.  If you could do that, it would leave the replacements as is, if not & you remove the seals,  will essentially render them worthless..  


Paul

Thanks for the response! The originals are nice and tight, so I think I will just re-use them with the new seals.

Rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

My understanding is that those ball joints hardly ever a problem, very strong.  Give them a good check over and stick to the originals I'd say.




"Came too close to dying to stop living now!"

I've started working on our 56 Ranch Wagon working my way to the front cross member for removal and replacement. I'm taking pictures along the way which I'll post as a separate thread. Anyway, I planned on replacing all the control arm bushings and ball joints and have purchased all those parts. While the lower aftermarket ball joints at least have the mounting holes in the correct location, the part is much less stout than the original. Have any of you had trouble with these aftermarket ball joints? I'm considering cleaning up the original and using the new seals on it and just shelving the aftermarket ones.Rono

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID