Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Mevotech Ball Joints
| Mevotech Ball Joints [message #366425] |
Wed, 01 September 2021 09:25  |
 |
Richard RV
Messages: 631
Registered: July 2012
Location: Full-timer for 12 years, ...
Karma: -17
|
Senior Member |
|
|
A forum search doesn't turn up anything on Mevotech ball joints for the GMC. Mevotech has 3 different lines, I'm primarily interested in their Supreme line, Mevotech MK5221 for the lower, and MS50548 for the upper.
Does anyone have any experience with them? What's the quality like compared to Moog?
Richard
'77 Birchaven TZE...777;
'76 Palm Beach under construction;
‘76 Edgemont waiting its turn
|
|
|
|
| Re: Mevotech Ball Joints [message #366430 is a reply to message #366425] |
Wed, 01 September 2021 11:48  |
mghamms
Messages: 466
Registered: March 2016
Location: Ware, Massachusetts
Karma: 2
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Search Google.
Mevotech made in Canada.
Moog may be made in 16 different countries.
Moog has a good brand name.
1977 Kingsley 455 as stock as it gets except lots of Ragusa parts
|
|
|
|
| Re: Mevotech Ball Joints [message #366433 is a reply to message #366430] |
Wed, 01 September 2021 12:47 |
|
Richard RV
Messages: 631
Registered: July 2012
Location: Full-timer for 12 years, ...
Karma: -17
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Hi, yes I searched Google and found many forums I know nothing about, with many opinions completely opposite, and for parts that are not specific to the GMC Motorhome. One of the common opinions I read was that Moog was not what it used to be and some felt they were skating on their brand name.
I was hoping for some personal experience with Mevotech ball joints for the GMC. Thanks for the info on where the parts are made. I'd reckon it would be easier to maintain quality control through a single country of manufacture than multiple, but again, I have no ball joint experience on which to base that belief.
Richard
'77 Birchaven TZE...777;
'76 Palm Beach under construction;
‘76 Edgemont waiting its turn
|
|
|
|
| [GMCnet] Re: Mevotech Ball Joints [message #366435 is a reply to message #366433] |
Wed, 01 September 2021 16:17 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
To our knowledge, they do not make the lower ball joints for the GMC MH
On Wed, Sep 1, 2021 at 10:49 AM Richard wrote:
> Hi, yes I searched Google and found many forums I know nothing about, with
> many opinions completely opposite, and for parts that are not specific to
> the GMC Motorhome. One of the common opinions I read was that Moog was
> not what it used to be and some felt they were skating on their brand name.
>
> I was hoping for some personal experience with Mevotech ball joints for
> the GMC. Thanks for the info on where the parts are made. I'd reckon it
> would be easier to maintain quality control through a single country of
> manufacture than multiple, but again, I have no ball joint experience on
> which
> to base that belief.
>
> Richard
> --
> '77 Birchaven TZE...777;
> '76 Palm Beach under construction;
> ‘76 Edgemonte waiting its turn
> _______________________________________________
> 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: Mevotech Ball Joints [message #366446 is a reply to message #366425] |
Thu, 02 September 2021 06:57 |
rjw
Messages: 697
Registered: September 2005
Karma: 4
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Richard RV wrote on Wed, 01 September 2021 10:25A forum search doesn't turn up anything on Mevotech ball joints for the GMC. Mevotech has 3 different lines, I'm primarily interested in their Supreme line, Mevotech MK5221 for the lower, and MS50548 for the upper.
Does anyone have any experience with them? What's the quality like compared to Moog?
Richard
You might want to reach out to Dave Lenzi, as he probably has as much experience with GMC motorhomes specific ball joints as anyone on the planet. He recently refurbished my control arms and had pretty specific opinions on the replacement parts he used. I know he is not a fan of MOOG cam adjuster bolts.
Richard
76 Palm Beach
SE Michigan
www.PalmBeachGMC.com
Roller Cam 455, TBI+EBL, 3.42 FD, 4 Bag, Macerator, Lenzi (brakes, vacuum system, front end stuff), Manny Tranny, vacuum step, Tankless + OEM water heaters.
|
|
|
|
| [GMCnet] Re: Mevotech Ball Joints [message #366456 is a reply to message #366446] |
Thu, 02 September 2021 19:45 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
We should have bunch of the lower ball joints in December.
Jim Bounds coordinated so we can have them available.
On Thu, Sep 2, 2021 at 4:57 AM RJW wrote:
> Richard RV wrote on Wed, 01 September 2021 10:25
>> A forum search doesn't turn up anything on Mevotech ball joints for the
> GMC. Mevotech has 3 different lines, I'm primarily interested in their
>> Supreme line, Mevotech MK5221 for the lower, and MS50548 for the upper.
>>
>> Does anyone have any experience with them? What's the quality like
> compared to Moog?
>>
>> Richard
>
> You might want to reach out to Dave Lenzi, as he probably has as much
> experience with GMC motorhomes specific ball joints as anyone on the
> planet. He
> recently refurbished my control arms and had pretty specific opinions on
> the replacement parts he used. I know he is not a fan of MOOG cam adjuster
> bolts.
> --
> Richard
> 76 Palm Beach
> SE Michigan
> www.PalmBeachGMC.com
>
>
> Roller Cam 455, TBI+EBL, 3.42 FD, 4 Bag, Macerator, Lenzi (brakes, vacuum
> system, front end stuff), Manny Tranny, vacuum step, Tankless + OEM water
> heaters.
> _______________________________________________
> 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: Mevotech Ball Joints [message #366457 is a reply to message #366446] |
Thu, 02 September 2021 20:31 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Dave Lenzi visited us in MN a couple weekends ago. He uses moog and was surprised and concerned about the moog lower ball joint shortage. He referbushes many lower control arms for people who have had improperly installed ball joints. Dave mentioned his suppliers were out.
He would rather people not change lowers as he sees lots of cracked control arms when people do not get them installed properly.
As you can see. jimK is a value if he can work and help solve the shortage.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
|
|
|
|
| Re: Mevotech Ball Joints [message #366458 is a reply to message #366425] |
Thu, 02 September 2021 20:47 |
Larry
Messages: 2875
Registered: January 2004
Location: Menomonie, WI
Karma: 10
|
Senior Member |
|
|
The original ball joints were riveted in place, and according to the manual, (GMC Motorhome Maintenance Manual X-7725) on page 3A-17 under "Ball Joint Checks", a pry bar is used to check for play. The "reading must not exceed .125". That is 1/8th inch. Unfortunately most alignment shops will check for play and to them any play at all is unacceptable, so they charge you for, and replace ball joints that don't need replacement. The best thing you can do for your lower ball joints is measure the play, and if less than .125", DON"T REPLACE THEM. If an alignment shop insists, show them the statement in the manual. JWIT
Larry 
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
|
|
|
|
| [GMCnet] Re: Mevotech Ball Joints [message #366459 is a reply to message #366457] |
Thu, 02 September 2021 20:38 |
RicksGMC
Messages: 145
Registered: May 2012
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I was fortunate to order a lower ball joint from Jim K and Applied GMC yesterday.
The one on my drivers side had one of the mounting tabs broken loose causing excessive play.
Rick Drummond
1974 re-Painted Desert named B.O.B.
1976 33’ stretch under construction
> On Sep 2, 2021, at 8:31 PM, Jon Roche wrote:
> Dave Lenzi visited us in MN a couple weekends ago. He uses moog and was surprised and concerned about the moog lower ball joint shortage. He
> referbushes many lower control arms for people who have had improperly installed ball joints. Dave mentioned his suppliers were out.
>
> He would rather people not change lowers as he sees lots of cracked control arms when people do not get them installed properly.
>
> As you can see. jimK is a value if he can work and help solve the shortage.
> --
> Jon Roche
> 75 palm beach
> EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
> St. Cloud, MN
> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
Rick
Rick&Tammy Drummond
Prior Lake MN
'74 (re)Painted Desert
|
|
|
|
| [GMCnet] Re: Mevotech Ball Joints [message #366461 is a reply to message #366458] |
Thu, 02 September 2021 22:33 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
One big reason for shortage is that the manufacturers do not want to
continue manufacturing parts in small quantities.
We end up asking them to increase the price and produce them for us.
I am getting too old to continue doing this as I see that day coming .
On Thu, Sep 2, 2021 at 6:47 PM Larry wrote:
> The original ball joints were riveted in place, and according to the
> manual, (GMC Motorhome Maintenance Manual X-7725) on page 3A-17 under "Ball
> Joint
> Checks", a pry bar is used to check for play. The "reading must not exceed
> .125". That is 1/8th inch. Unfortunately most alignment shops will check
> for play and to them any play at all is unacceptable, so they charge you
> for, and replace ball joints that don't need replacement. The best thing you
> can do for your lower ball joints is measure the play, and if less than
> .125", DON"T REPLACE THEM. If an alignment shop insists, show them the
> statement in the manual. JWIT
> --
> Larry
> 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
> Menomonie, WI.
> _______________________________________________
> 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: Mevotech Ball Joints [message #366462 is a reply to message #366425] |
Fri, 03 September 2021 08:12 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447
Registered: October 2006
Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Larry yes good advice. All GM lower load bearing ball joints are checked that way. Once loaded with vehicle weight the 1/8” slop will “self zero” to no lash. The exception would be on extreme washboard type roads where unloading and undesired motion could happen. Hence that 1/8” max spec. The uppers are simply locators only and should be snug in all planes. The good news is if uppers are kept greased they last a long long time in GM dual A arm designs where vehicle load is on lowers.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Re: Mevotech Ball Joints [message #366463 is a reply to message #366461] |
Fri, 03 September 2021 09:25 |
 |
Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
|
Senior Member |
|
|
jimk wrote on Thu, 02 September 2021 23:33One big reason for shortage is that the manufacturers do not want to continue manufacturing parts in small quantities.
We end up asking them to increase the price and produce them for us.
I am getting too old to continue doing this as I see that day coming .
--
Jim Kanomata ASE
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.gmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
Jim,
I, for at least one and I think more, are glad to have you on our side.....
Most regular people do not understand:
Minimum order quantity,
Tool set up cost,
Tooling wear expense,
Inventory age cost,
Old stock liability....
Sure, McDonalds can sell a cheap burger, but they sell several hundred a day.
You can get a piston for a small block chevy for about 10$, but they make a million a year and have to the last several decades.
One piston for a friends old tractor was 125$. That was with pin, but not rings.
This is the world we are in and if you don't think Applied is an amazing asset, you just don't understand.
Matt - Was the Aftermarket Department at McCord Gasket while they existed.
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: [GMCnet] Re: Mevotech Ball Joints [message #367340 is a reply to message #366435] |
Wed, 27 October 2021 20:01 |
|
Richard RV
Messages: 631
Registered: July 2012
Location: Full-timer for 12 years, ...
Karma: -17
|
Senior Member |
|
|
jimk wrote on Wed, 01 September 2021 17:17To our knowledge, they do not make the lower ball joints for the GMC MH.
Update
JimK, after further investigation, no shock - you are right and that's why I ordered the lower ball joints from you.
The Mevotech upper ball joints looked good but the rubber boot was poorly attached to the retaining/mounting ring, actually was missing some rubber, and I sent them back. I didn't like the way the Moog uppers were made up of two plates instead of a single forging, and I also think the separate rubber boot with retaining ring is a less than ideal design. I ended up using Delphi TC6499 for the upper ball joints.
Richard
'77 Birchaven TZE...777;
'76 Palm Beach under construction;
‘76 Edgemont waiting its turn
|
|
|
|
| [GMCnet] Re: Mevotech Ball Joints [message #367342 is a reply to message #367340] |
Wed, 27 October 2021 20:06 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I had Jim Bounds contact his people regarding the lower ball joints and I
will have them available in December.
On Wed, Oct 27, 2021 at 6:01 PM Richard wrote:
> jimk wrote on Wed, 01 September 2021 17:17
>> To our knowledge, they do not make the lower ball joints for the GMC MH.
>
> Update
>
> JimK, after further investigation, no shock - you are right and that's why
> I ordered the lower ball joints from you.
>
> The Mevotech upper ball joints looked good but the rubber boot was poorly
> attached to the retaining/mounting ring, actually was missing some rubber,
> and I sent them back. I didn't like the way the Moog uppers were made up
> of two plates instead of a single forging, and I also think the separate
> rubber boot with retaining ring is a less than ideal design. I ended up
> using Delphi TC6499 for the upper ball joints.
>
> Richard
> --
> '77 Birchaven TZE...777;
> '76 Palm Beach under construction;
> ‘76 Edgemonte waiting its turn
> _______________________________________________
> 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
|
|
|
|
Goto Forum:
Current Time: Wed Sep 25 09:31:48 CDT 2024
Total time taken to generate the page: 0.00984 seconds
|
GMCforum
Search
Help
Register
Login
Home
