Replacing Lower Ball Joints

[shifty30]

I am trying to change the lower ball joints on a 68 camaro. I have a ball joint press. I put the boot on the ball joint and then I put the ball joint into position. Then I use the ball joint press to seat the ball joint. The only problem is that everytime the boot tears at the top lip. Are there any suggestions that would make this easier?

[Gramps69Z]

Install the ball joint first, and then the boot. 

[shifty30]

Thanks a lot for the help. I do have another question that you may be able to help with. I am installing the upper ball joint now. This seems like an easy task, but again I am having trouble. The lock nuts are suppose to be set a 10-12 ft lb. When I do that, the lock nuts cut into the ball joint before the torque wrench clicks at 10ft lb. Also the lock nuts are extremely difficult to get on. They want to go on canted. They will go on easily if I put the flat side on first, but not the other way around.

[Gramps69Z]

Look on page 3-17 in the 1969 Chassis manual for installing upper BJ's.  The lock nuts should contact the bottom of the A-frame not the BJ.   Without being there or having a picture I can't help you.  Sorry 

[JohnZ]

Thanks a lot for the help. I do have another question that you may be able to help with. I am installing the upper ball joint now. This seems like an easy task, but again I am having trouble. The lock nuts are suppose to be set a 10-12 ft lb. When I do that, the lock nuts cut into the ball joint before the torque wrench clicks at 10ft lb. Also the lock nuts are extremely difficult to get on. They want to go on canted. They will go on easily if I put the flat side on first, but not the other way around.

The flange on the ball joint sits on TOP of the control arm, and the bolts go through the ball joint flange, through the control arm, and the prevailing-torque nuts go on the bolts with the flat side against the bottom surface of the control arm.

[firstgenaddict]

The lock nuts are supposed to go on with the lock side away from where it seats.