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73 lower ball joints [message #368380] Fri, 07 January 2022 17:44 Go to next message
CousinLarry is currently offline  CousinLarry
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Registered: November 2021
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Could the brains trust here chime in on lower ball joints Rare Parts 10444 as listed here: https://fcrcmachine.com/rare-parts-lower-ball-joint-1973-1974-gmc-transmode-motorhome-10444/

I can’t see them listed anywhere else…. Any thoughts on these?

Thanks
Re: 73 lower ball joints [message #368381 is a reply to message #368380] Fri, 07 January 2022 18:51 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Larry is currently offline  Larry   United States
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Senior Member
CousinLarry wrote on Fri, 07 January 2022 17:44
Could the brains trust here chime in on lower ball joints Rare Parts 10444 as listed here: https://fcrcmachine.com/rare-parts-lower-ball-joint-1973-1974-gmc-transmode-motorhome-10444/

I can’t see them listed anywhere else…. Any thoughts on these?

Thanks
Maybe read this before you change those ball joints. IMO, if the lower A arm ball joints are original and do not exceed the .125 play/movement, don't change them.


http://gmc.mybirdfeeder.net/GMCforum/index.php?t=msg&th=39459&start=0&rid=19


Larry Smile
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
[GMCnet] Re: 73 lower ball joints [message #368382 is a reply to message #368381] Fri, 07 January 2022 22:21 Go to previous messageGo to next message
GMCWiperMan is currently offline  GMCWiperMan   United States
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Senior Member
I suspect they're like on my '91 S-10. 15+ years ago a service station
with a "special" on alignment checks inspected the lower ball joints on
it: "Man, those things are really bad -- like most that we see. Fact is,
that's the ONLY vehicle we keep them in stock for, so you're in luck -- we
can change them Now for only $wxy.z9!" I "didn't have time right then".
Nor did I ever have time before I sold it to Stick Miller, who loves it,
about 4 years ago. It hasn't yet worn a tire nor had any other bad effects!

Ken H.

On Fri, Jan 7, 2022 at 7:51 PM Larry wrote:

> CousinLarry wrote on Fri, 07 January 2022 17:44
>> Could the brains trust here chime in on lower ball joints Rare Parts
> 10444 as listed here:
>>
> https://fcrcmachine.com/rare-parts-lower-ball-joint-1973-1974-gmc-transmode-motorhome-10444/
>>
>> I can’t see them listed anywhere else…. Any thoughts on these?
>>
>> Thanks
>
> Maybe read this before you change those ball joints. IMO, if the lower A
> arm ball joints are original and do not exceed the .125 play/movement, don't
> change them.
>
>
>
> http://gmc.mybirdfeeder.net/GMCforum/index.php?t=msg&th=39459&start=0&rid=19
> --
> Larry
> 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
> Menomonie, WI.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
[GMCnet] Re: 73 lower ball joints [message #368383 is a reply to message #368380] Fri, 07 January 2022 23:16 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jimk is currently offline  jimk   United States
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Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
try appliedrv.com


On Fri, Jan 7, 2022 at 9:13 PM Jim Kanomata wrote:

> We have the correct lower ball joints in stock.
> Visit our sight www.appliedrv.com
>
> On Fri, Jan 7, 2022 at 8:22 PM Ken Henderson
> wrote:
>
>> I suspect they're like on my '91 S-10. 15+ years ago a service station
>> with a "special" on alignment checks inspected the lower ball joints on
>> it: "Man, those things are really bad -- like most that we see. Fact is,
>> that's the ONLY vehicle we keep them in stock for, so you're in luck -- we
>> can change them Now for only $wxy.z9!" I "didn't have time right then".
>> Nor did I ever have time before I sold it to Stick Miller, who loves it,
>> about 4 years ago. It hasn't yet worn a tire nor had any other bad
>> effects!
>>
>> Ken H.
>>
>> On Fri, Jan 7, 2022 at 7:51 PM Larry wrote:
>>
>>> CousinLarry wrote on Fri, 07 January 2022 17:44
>>>> Could the brains trust here chime in on lower ball joints Rare Parts
>>> 10444 as listed here:
>>>>
>>>
>> https://fcrcmachine.com/rare-parts-lower-ball-joint-1973-1974-gmc-transmode-motorhome-10444/
>>>>
>>>> I can’t see them listed anywhere else…. Any thoughts on these?
>>>>
>>>> Thanks
>>>
>>> Maybe read this before you change those ball joints. IMO, if the lower A
>>> arm ball joints are original and do not exceed the .125 play/movement,
>> don't
>>> change them.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>> http://gmc.mybirdfeeder.net/GMCforum/index.php?t=msg&th=39459&start=0&rid=19
>>> --
>>> Larry
>>> 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
>>> Menomonie, WI.
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>
>
>
> --
> Jim Kanomata ASE
> Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
> jimk@appliedairfilters.com
> http://www.gmcrvparts.com
> 1-800-752-7502
>


--
Jim Kanomata ASE
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.gmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
[GMCnet] Re: 73 lower ball joints [message #368384 is a reply to message #368382] Fri, 07 January 2022 23:13 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jimk is currently offline  jimk   United States
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
We have the correct lower ball joints in stock.
Visit our sight www.appliedrv.com

On Fri, Jan 7, 2022 at 8:22 PM Ken Henderson
wrote:

> I suspect they're like on my '91 S-10. 15+ years ago a service station
> with a "special" on alignment checks inspected the lower ball joints on
> it: "Man, those things are really bad -- like most that we see. Fact is,
> that's the ONLY vehicle we keep them in stock for, so you're in luck -- we
> can change them Now for only $wxy.z9!" I "didn't have time right then".
> Nor did I ever have time before I sold it to Stick Miller, who loves it,
> about 4 years ago. It hasn't yet worn a tire nor had any other bad
> effects!
>
> Ken H.
>
> On Fri, Jan 7, 2022 at 7:51 PM Larry wrote:
>
>> CousinLarry wrote on Fri, 07 January 2022 17:44
>>> Could the brains trust here chime in on lower ball joints Rare Parts
>> 10444 as listed here:
>>>
>>
> https://fcrcmachine.com/rare-parts-lower-ball-joint-1973-1974-gmc-transmode-motorhome-10444/
>>>
>>> I can’t see them listed anywhere else…. Any thoughts on these?
>>>
>>> Thanks
>>
>> Maybe read this before you change those ball joints. IMO, if the lower A
>> arm ball joints are original and do not exceed the .125 play/movement,
> don't
>> change them.
>>
>>
>>
>>
> http://gmc.mybirdfeeder.net/GMCforum/index.php?t=msg&th=39459&start=0&rid=19
>> --
>> Larry
>> 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
>> Menomonie, WI.
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>


--
Jim Kanomata ASE
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.gmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:


Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
Re: 73 lower ball joints [message #368385 is a reply to message #368380] Sat, 08 January 2022 08:42 Go to previous messageGo to next message
JohnL455 is currently offline  JohnL455   United States
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Location: Woodstock, IL
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Is this implying 73-74 were different than 75-78?
[GMCnet] Re: 73 lower ball joints [message #368390 is a reply to message #368385] Sat, 08 January 2022 17:54 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jimk is currently offline  jimk   United States
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Senior Member
John,
We know they are same 73-78.
However the lower A frame on 73 were not beefed up and has presented
fatigue.

On Sat, Jan 8, 2022 at 6:43 AM John R. Lebetski
wrote:

> Is this implying 73-74 were different than 75-78?
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>


--
Jim Kanomata ASE
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.gmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
Re: [GMCnet] Re: 73 lower ball joints [message #368395 is a reply to message #368390] Sun, 09 January 2022 08:13 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
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jimk wrote on Sat, 08 January 2022 18:54
John,
We know they are same 73-78.
However the lower A frame on 73 were not beefed up and has presented fatigue.
--
Jim Kanomata ASE
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
I know Jim is correct, but what has not been said is that even with the GM factory service bulletin reinforcement there can still be issues with the early coaches.

While most have failed during low speed maneuvering, they can fail with no warning. Visual inspection is very difficult. The side fasteners should be checked at every opportunity.

Matt


Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
Re: 73 lower ball joints [message #368396 is a reply to message #368380] Sun, 09 January 2022 08:23 Go to previous messageGo to next message
JohnL455 is currently offline  JohnL455   United States
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Location: Woodstock, IL
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Yes we know they are a 73-78 part, but Rare Parts cataloging implies they are different after 74. Just pointing that out.

John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
Re: 73 lower ball joints [message #368397 is a reply to message #368396] Sun, 09 January 2022 11:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
boybach is currently offline  boybach   
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Senior Member
JohnL455 wrote on Sun, 09 January 2022 06:23
Yes we know they are a 73-78 part, but Rare Parts cataloging implies they are different after 74. Just pointing that out.
John, good point but I think that's because the "transmode" as such doesn't appear in aftermarket parts catalogs after that date. Similar to the Rockauto listings for transmodes - without checking the exact cutoff I believe they list transmode parts the same way.

Larry


Larry - Victoria BC - 1977 ex-Palm Beach "Ol' Leaky" 40,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the word NOT. Atwood helium fridge, water heater & furnace. SS exhaust system, Onan, Iota Converter, R134A, New fuel lines & heat exchange hoses
Re: [GMCnet] Re: 73 lower ball joints [message #368398 is a reply to message #368382] Sun, 09 January 2022 11:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lqqkatjon is currently offline  lqqkatjon   United States
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Location: St. Cloud, MN
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Senior Member
There were different parts bad on my wife’s old 2004 impala everytime they checked the front end.

Sometimes the tie rods were unsafe to drive. Other times it was ball joints.

I just thanked them and said I would fix myself.

Sadly a racket. Seen some say no issues and a front tire breaks off.

But ball joints on the gmc are special. Many are replaced when they are fine. Many are installed poorly and cause issues.

There is plenty of info. Remember original one’s are
Riveted on. To replicate that factory fit is not as simple as it seems. But also not hard if you get guidance from the right person.


Jon Roche 75 palm beach EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now. St. Cloud, MN http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
Re: 73 lower ball joints [message #368399 is a reply to message #368380] Sun, 09 January 2022 12:22 Go to previous messageGo to next message
JohnL455 is currently offline  JohnL455   United States
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Part number errors, once wrong in the system, seem hard to erase, even in the GM system. If Rare Parts were more knowledgeable they would extend the fit to FWD TZE chassis 73-78 all.
The slight allowable slop in the lowers is allowable because it is the weight bearing joint. As soon as it is loaded the slop of the ball and socket is self zeroing. Most important is proper A arm ‘massaging’ and dry fitting of new ball joint during install (a take away from Lenzi seminar)


John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II

[Updated on: Sun, 09 January 2022 12:23]

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[GMCnet] Re: 73 lower ball joints [message #368400 is a reply to message #368399] Sun, 09 January 2022 13:01 Go to previous messageGo to next message
James Hupy is currently offline  James Hupy   United States
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Senior Member
Ball joints, particularly the lowers, can be quite sloppy without affecting
steering or alignment.
But, the tie rod ends and drag link joints are a horse of a different
color. Where they wear the most, is in the center of their travel, not at
their extremes. Any looseness in the middle is immediately felt in the
alignment as well as the steering wheel. Upper ball joints on a
GMC need to be fairly tight, because they really affect alignment. The good
side of this is, they rarely wear out.
Steve Ferguson did a great technical presentation on
replacement/repair of lower control arms. I believe it can still be found
on the GMCnet photo site. Great instructions.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon

On Sun, Jan 9, 2022, 10:22 AM John R. Lebetski
wrote:

> Part number errors, once wrong in the system, seem hard to erase, even in
> the GM system. If Rare Parts were more knowledgeable they would extend the
> fit to FWD TZE chassis 73-78 all.
> The slight allowable slop in the lowers is allowable because it is the
> weight bearing joint. As soon aa it is loaded the slop of the ball and
> socket
> is self zeroing. Most important is proper A arm ‘massaging’ and dry
> fitting of new ball joint during install (a take away from Lenzi seminar)
> --
> John Lebetski
> Woodstock, IL
> 77 Eleganza II
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
[GMCnet] Re: 73 lower ball joints [message #368404 is a reply to message #368399] Sun, 09 January 2022 16:43 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jimk is currently offline  jimk   United States
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
When Moog dscontinued the Lower Ball joints, I contacted Jim Bounds as he
knows lot of Key people in the industry.
He hooked me up with a firm that would get them made for me if we go for
500 units.
I agreed and now they are once again available from us and the other GMC
shops.
You guys can support Rock and others, but they are only interested in large
volume and can care less about the GMC MH.
I can receive larger return on my investment by putting them in my Air
Filter business.


On Sun, Jan 9, 2022 at 10:22 AM John R. Lebetski
wrote:

> Part number errors, once wrong in the system, seem hard to erase, even in
> the GM system. If Rare Parts were more knowledgeable they would extend the
> fit to FWD TZE chassis 73-78 all.
> The slight allowable slop in the lowers is allowable because it is the
> weight bearing joint. As soon aa it is loaded the slop of the ball and
> socket
> is self zeroing. Most important is proper A arm ‘massaging’ and dry
> fitting of new ball joint during install (a take away from Lenzi seminar)
> --
> John Lebetski
> Woodstock, IL
> 77 Eleganza II
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>


--
Jim Kanomata ASE
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.gmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:


Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
[GMCnet] Re: 73 lower ball joints [message #368414 is a reply to message #368400] Mon, 10 January 2022 15:59 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Kimberlea Weeks is currently offline  Kimberlea Weeks   United States
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Registered: July 2010
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Senior Member
I believe the link for the presentation is:
http://gmcws.org/Tech/Getting_Your_GMC_Under_Control.pdf

*Kimberlea Weeks | GMC Motorhomes International *
Vice President of Administration | Convention Manager
Admin Address: 1214 N Jefferson Way, Ste 352, Indianola, IA 50125-1400
612.501.4600 | f.866.519.0047 | www.gmcmi.com
Corporate Address: 1402 S Cage Blvd, Unit 273 | Pharr, TX 78577-6288




On Sun, Jan 9, 2022 at 1:02 PM James Hupy wrote:

> Ball joints, particularly the lowers, can be quite sloppy without affecting
> steering or alignment.
> But, the tie rod ends and drag link joints are a horse of a different
> color. Where they wear the most, is in the center of their travel, not at
> their extremes. Any looseness in the middle is immediately felt in the
> alignment as well as the steering wheel. Upper ball joints on a
> GMC need to be fairly tight, because they really affect alignment. The good
> side of this is, they rarely wear out.
> Steve Ferguson did a great technical presentation on
> replacement/repair of lower control arms. I believe it can still be found
> on the GMCnet photo site. Great instructions.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Oregon
>
> On Sun, Jan 9, 2022, 10:22 AM John R. Lebetski
> wrote:
>
>> Part number errors, once wrong in the system, seem hard to erase, even in
>> the GM system. If Rare Parts were more knowledgeable they would extend
> the
>> fit to FWD TZE chassis 73-78 all.
>> The slight allowable slop in the lowers is allowable because it is the
>> weight bearing joint. As soon aa it is loaded the slop of the ball and
>> socket
>> is self zeroing. Most important is proper A arm ‘massaging’ and dry
>> fitting of new ball joint during install (a take away from Lenzi seminar)
>> --
>> John Lebetski
>> Woodstock, IL
>> 77 Eleganza II
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
Re: [GMCnet] Re: 73 lower ball joints [message #368423 is a reply to message #368414] Mon, 10 January 2022 22:17 Go to previous message
dsmithy is currently offline  dsmithy   United States
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Registered: July 2012
Location: Lincoln Nebraska
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Senior Member
Thanks Kim!
That's very helpful.
Doug


Douglas & Virginia Smith, dsmithy18 at gmail, Lincoln Nebraska, ’73 “Sequoia” since ‘95: "Wanabizo"; Quadrabag/6 wheel disks/3:70 final/Paterson QuadraJet/Thorley’s/Alloy wheels/Sundry other
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