73 lower ball joints

> 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.
 
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.

> > 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:
>
 
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.
>

>

> > > 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
http://www.gmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
 
try appliedrv.com

> 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

>
>> 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.
>>

>>

>> > > 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
> http://www.gmcrvparts.com
> 1-800-752-7502
>

--
Jim Kanomata ASE
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.gmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
 
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
http://www.gmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
 
> 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
 
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
 
> 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
 
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/
 
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
 
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:
>
 
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
http://www.gmcrvparts.com
1-800-752-7502
 
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

> 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

>
> > 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:
>
 
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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