how many miles are ball joints good for? who sells original type

[svtrich]

Im thinking about about freshing up the frront but Im wondering if I really need to change the ball joints.If I change them,who has original looking parts.and no overseas junk.
                               Richard

[77thor]

I would replace them while you have everything apart. I'm not sure about "original looking", but I would buy MOOG parts.

[L78 steve]

If they are good leave them.  Originals are rivited on the A-arms.

[jmcbeth]

In the old days, you typically replaced ball joints between 50K and 70K miles. Are you going for a driver or concours show car? If driver, I agree with replacing them while you have it apart. If concours, then you will need riveted ball joints. If the originals aren't loose, keep them. My opinion.

[JohnZ]

Upper ball joints hardly ever "need" replacing; the lower ball joints take 95% of the loads.