383 240z Posted September 22, 2003 Share Posted September 22, 2003 I picked up a bushing kit for my car yesterday and intalled it. Now I'm putting the front suspension back together. I was going to replace the lower ball joint while I was there (hell everything else is new, what is 2 more parts?) then I found that they are $50 bucks each!!! the ones I have are in REAL good shape but the boots are destroyed. Does anybody know if I can buy just the boots or do I need to blow $100? The suspension kit came with new ones for the tie rod ends so I'm good there. I checked Autozone on line but I'll call my import parts distributers in the morning. I'm glad I kept the 280 front arms when I decided to use my 240 rack you can't get ball joints for the 240 anywhere!! Keith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David K Posted September 22, 2003 Share Posted September 22, 2003 Replace them. If a ball joint fails, you will probably destroy your wheel, for sure your suspension on the failed side, and you might even rash your Z. Are you using the 280z or 240z from arms? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnc Posted September 22, 2003 Share Posted September 22, 2003 You should be able to get the boots but you'll have to find a smart parts guy or call Motorsports Auto. I suggest that you only buy Nissan OEM ball joints when it comes time to relace yours. I have yet to find any others that last as long or are as well made. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David K Posted September 22, 2003 Share Posted September 22, 2003 I lost a wheel when the driver side ball joint gave way on my 90 hyundai. It rolled about 1/4 down the 91 fwy! Destroyed the rotor, bent the control arm, the strut was bent like a twig, etc. Id still replace them since you are down there. Peice of mind for me i guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
383 240z Posted September 23, 2003 Author Share Posted September 23, 2003 I ordered 2 new ball joints today. I got MOOG joints and they come with boots of course. I will keep a close eye on them. John what brands are you refering to as wearing out fast? I've been using MOOG stuff here at the shop for years with no problems. If these show were I'll go with OEM do you have any idea what they cost (dealer net)? Keith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnc Posted September 23, 2003 Share Posted September 23, 2003 My perspective is from racing. Nissan OEM ball joints will last a few seasons if the boots are not torn and you don't over grease them. All others I've tried last one to maybe one and a half seasons at best. That includes MOOG. I think I paid about $85 each for the Nissan ball joints but its been about 3 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
383 240z Posted September 23, 2003 Author Share Posted September 23, 2003 You most likley put more stress on a joint in one race than I'll do in a year. (it is just a street car) It will only go to the drag track maybe once a month in the summer. thanks for the info. I'll get the OEM units when these ones wear out. Keith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest thinkmonkey Posted September 23, 2003 Share Posted September 23, 2003 I just bought my master bushings set from suspension.com and thought it was a great deal to include all 4 joints (lie rod ends). That was until I received the set, and found that the joints didn't have zerk fittings to grease'm up. I'm going to ask suspension.com to take them back, I want ones that will last until I wreck my car showing off for some girls. -David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.