Mark,
Checking the ball joints on the car is straight forward, I think there is an
old write-up I did at http://311s.org/
The key for ball joints is that you must unload the suspension, this is done
by lifting a front wheel off the ground with a jack under the lower A-arm.
This will allow the steering knuckle to hang unloaded. Lifting the tire
while observing the ball joints for movement will provide you an indication
of wear (you may need a jack handle of something to provide enough
leverage). There really should be no movement (up/down or side-to-side,
rotational is obviously okay) between the steering knuckle and the upper or
lower A-arms. With the suspension still supported with the jack this is a
good time to check the tie rod ends and idler arm bushings (right wheel
supported). Unless you have comp springs it is difficult to check the A-arm
spindles (pivots) at the frame since stock springs always have some preload.
The springs can be unloaded with a spring compressor but be careful since
there is a lot of stored energy. Good luck.
Todd Osborn
San Jose, CA
'68 2L DATSFUN
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