ball joint issue

[vanvan2801]

Hello everyone!
I am in the process of restoring my front suspension. I just received my new suspension ball joints (upper) their diameter is smaller than the original one which fitted perfectly into the suspension arm. it may be the screws that allow the guidance? is this normal? have you ever faced this problem? these are AC-DELCO ordered from rockauto.

[Ccmano]

Yeah, that's wrong. Should be a snug fit through the control arm.
H

[Paul Workman]

Try Jerrys Gaskets (first) and if no luck, try MOOG ball joints from Rock Auto.

[vanvan2801]

Okay, thank you for your answers. I still find it weird that AC-DELCO, which is GM's "official" brand, sells ball joints that don't fit. I guess I'm not the only one who ordered AC-Delco.
The ball joints are the same from 1984-1996? i will watch for the Moog...
Greetings from Belgium 🇧🇪

[Paul Workman]

Originally Posted by vanvan2801

Okay, thank you for your answers. I still find it weird that AC-DELCO, which is GM's "official" brand, sells ball joints that don't fit. I guess I'm not the only one who ordered AC-Delco.
The ball joints are the same from 1984-1996? i will watch for the Moog...
Greetings from Belgium 🇧🇪

My FIRST clue (about parts for the Zs) was when I tried to buy plenum gaskets for my LT5. The clerk punched up "1990 ZR-1" on his computer, but fetched an intake gasket that clearly was for the L98; someone's goof when loading the data base, obviously. But, it didn't end there! When I tried to explain the error, the clerk insisted that, "No. The computer said..." So, because the car was outside, I told him to show me where it fit. He actually poured over the engine, looking for where the gasket fit. It was quite humorous until the store owner drove up and put an end to the clerk's buffoonery!

We (Z drivers) who work on our own cars soon learn be ready for similar issues with confusion over (mainly) LT5 related parts, but some others too.

[vanvan2801]

Exactly Paul, I also had the same joke for an intake gasket kit, I got those for an L98 ....

[vanvan2801]

I am in the process of replacing the front stabilizer bar bushing. The new ones are slightly narrower than the old ones (see photo). According to you and what is the problem? I have the impression that all available are like this.

[Paul Workman]

Originally Posted by vanvan2801

I am in the process of replacing the front stabilizer bar bushing. The new ones are slightly narrower than the old ones (see photo). According to you and what is the problem? I have the impression that all available are like this.

Well, they appear to be very close, and since they do sit in a pocket, they aren't going to move around much (if any). I'd wipe the bearing surfaces with grease and install them and see if they don't stay put. I'm guessing there will be no issue. (I'd try them and see.)

Just for peace of mind, you might clean the pocket and then put a film of RTV on the surfaces. Once the bushing is pressed in and the RTV sets, I doubt then the bushing is going anywhere!

P.

[vanvan2801]

okay, i have nothing to lose by trying.
I would put a message to give my feelings!