TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sun Jul 27, 2008 3:42 pm

I'll start by saying that these are the EMPI lowered balljoints. I just got around to looking at them today and I don't think the notches line up with the slot that the ball travels in.

In these pictures, I have the joint fully extended one way. The line of travel of the shaft doesn't line up with the notches. I tried to MS Paint-ify them to explain what I mean.

What should I do? Install them correctly, obviously, but how?

Sun Jul 27, 2008 5:56 pm

According to the pics on this web site the notches should line up with the slot:

http://www.vwdcqinc.org.au/vwdcqimages/insideaballjoint/insideaballjoint.html

Sun Jul 27, 2008 6:31 pm

you did say "EMPI"???? :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: a wise man that traded a hot rod for a 1956 beetle said"Buy Once Cry Once" he also had a 1961 beetle that he hauled a rear engine dragster on the roof and pulled the engine from the beetle to put in the little but quick dragster. he eventually bought a flannel shirt and a funky roll up hat to wear when his son Gary drove a 1967 beetle known as the Berg Black Car. his name was Gene T. Berg.. line up the notch and see how long they hold up.

Sun Jul 27, 2008 6:45 pm

I've already decided not to line the notch up because the travel would be off. But how do I ensure that I get them in there straight? Yes, this is EMPI. Yes, I got it from Mid-America. Who else makes quality balljoints, let alone the extended-travel ones?

I mean, I didn't know they were EMPI when I ordered them. Only when I opened the box.

Sun Jul 27, 2008 7:27 pm

Sigurd wrote: Who else makes quality balljoints, let alone the extended-travel ones?

Not sure if Airkewld MAKES their own or buys them but... they do list them on their website.... and I know a lot of air-bag cars run them with cars pretty low so thats a good sign..

http://www.airkewld.com/
or specifically
http://www.airkewld.com/parts/proddetail.php?prod=LBJ-0001

Sun Jul 27, 2008 8:13 pm

is there a snapring-like boot retainer? if so you can remove the boot to confirm the slot orientation.

Mon Jul 28, 2008 5:42 am

bartman wrote: is there a snapring-like boot retainer? if so you can remove the boot to confirm the slot orientation.

Yes, there is. I'll take a look. I think I figured out that there is no slot. I was able to straighten the joint. Now, the shaft lines up with the notches.

And now, the shaft is perpendicular to the line made by the notches.

The joint is rather stiff, but I can move the shaft around in a circle, like there is no slot. I'll pull the boot off to make sure, but I just might be in the clear...maybe? :?