How do I know when the Moog Lower ball joint is pressed in all the way?

[Brian Thomas 2]

Installing my new lower ball joints today and am having trouble securing the top of the hub to the upper a-arm. Was curious if maybe I didn't have the lower pressed in all the way. I was able to put the snap ring on, is that pressed in enough?

 

[Brian Thomas 2]

Is there a trick to getting the upper a-arm secured again? That joint just doesn't want to slide back into the hub.

 

[EddieS'04]

If you are talking about the clamp on the ball joint. You may have to, loosen the bolt and spread it. So the ball joint will drop all the way in.

 

[Brian Thomas 2]

Loosen the bolt and spread it? the pinch bolt is not installed, shouldn't the upper ball joint slide in far enough so I can install the bolt?

 

[eric huskey 2]

The balljoint will bottom out when it is fully seated! If you got the snap ring on it it should be close enough. Now the top a-arm will be kinda springy and not want to seat into the spindle. I just took a heavy object "sledge hammer" and knocked it in with one hand and shoved the bolt through with the other. If you have a helper that would be great!

 

[Brian Thomas 2]

Well I'm about ready to remove the endlink and shock to try and get the upper a arm into the spindle (maybe it will give the lower more travel?). sucker just won't slide back in. any other hints?

 

[Brian Thomas 2]

Opened up the hole on top of the spindle a little, and went at it from a different angle this morning. Got it. Then the driver's side went without a hitch. Ball joints and endlinks done. Now I'll have to work on finding some shocks.