[PGW74]

New to the site. Thanks in advance for the help! Just bought a 74 challenger w/ralleye package and need to replace the upper ball joints. Never have done it on a torsion bar suspension. Any help you could provide is much appreciated!

 

[TikiMan]

Welcome to the Z from FL. Lots of great info here. Enjoy !

You have a pic of that bad boy ?

 

[MIDNITE RT]

Welcome from NJ.
Glad to have you here !
Click on the link below and introduce yourself for a proper Z welcome :smileup:

http://www.challengerforumz.com/forumdisplay.php?f=4

 

[jklotz10]

Hello & welcome from WI!

 

[70barcuda]

It's been years since I've replaced an upper ball joint on a 74 Cuda, but if I remember right it was pretty straight forward. I just removed the upper control arm, removed the old ball joint and cranked in a new one. They are I believe threaded and not pushed into the control arm. While you have things apart I'd go ahead and replace the upper control arm bushings, they are most likely shot too.

 

[PGW74]

I do just don't know how to put pics on here yet.

 

[PGW74]

Any idea if I have to let of on the torsion bar. Any other pointers would be great! Thanks!

 

[dodge man2]

I think I did a set but its been over 20 years ago. I didn't think they threaded in but were more of a press fit, but I'm not sure. I think I used a "pickle fork" to get the old one off. A pickle fork is just a wedge shaped device you hammer on or hook up to an air chisel.

 

[70barcuda]

I think I did a set but its been over 20 years ago. I didn't think they threaded in but were more of a press fit, but I'm not sure. I think I used a "pickle fork" to get the old one off. A pickle fork is just a wedge shaped device you hammer on or hook up to an air chisel.

Well I did it in the early 80's so maybe my memory is a bit fuzzy on that, but if it was a pressed fit there's a good chance it won't work well with a 40 year old upper control arm. I had a brand new upper control arm when I did the install that I got from a dealership. Probably best if someone that has done this more recently chimes in. Like I said I don't remember it as being all that difficult but it's been a lot of years.

 

[PGW74]

Thanks for the replies. If any one has more details that would be great!

 

[dodge man2]

I just remember beating the crap out of the end of my pickle fork with a hammer. I think it was the upper ball joint but it could have been a tie rod end or something else also.

 

[PGW74]

Anyone have any more details on removing the ball joints? Thanks for the help!

 

[reborn73]

Your local parts store should have a socket that fits on the top of the ball jount that you can use to "unscrew" the ball joint. I just used a large pipe wrench.

The question is though, what kind of shape the control arm is in and how may times the ball joints have been replaced. Each time the upper ball joint is replaced it cuts new threads into the A arm.

You should release the tension on the torsion bar before you start though.

Then you will have to "pickle fork" the ball joint out of the top of the spindle