Lower ball joint size - SOLVED

[ajduarte310]

I have a 1999 Chevy Tahoe Z71 and I have been having trouble finding the right lower ball joint. I’ve been to multiple stores and bought different ball joints and none of them fit right. Did anybody else have this problem? I cleaned up the old ball joint and tried to find a part number but this is all I found

 

[Fless]

Assuming 4wd, are the control arms forged or welded?

 

[OR VietVet]

Welcome to the forum from Oregon

Like @Fless said, that is what usually gets the confusion ball rolling. PITA for sure.

 

[east302]

Here are some pictures of the two types of control arms…

Forged or Welded Lower Ball Joints

Hey guys, I have a 1998 2dr 4x4 chevy tahoe. I'm looking to order new lower ball joints for my truck. How can I tell if I need to order forged or welded lower ball joints? What's the difference? Is one stronger or heavier duty than the other?

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

 

[ajduarte310]

Assuming 4wd, are the control arms forged or welded?

View attachment 437989
View attachment 437990

I don’t know exactly what kind of lower control arm I have

 

[OR VietVet]

I don’t know exactly what kind of lower control arm I have

Looks welded but the diameter of either one is different and you can measure that open hole to verify fit.

 

[Fless]

Agree with @OR VietVet like it would be the welded/stamped version; see if the experts agree. Do you have a caliper to measure the diameter of the hole?

 

[ajduarte310]

Agree with @OR VietVet like it would be the welded/stamped version; see if the experts agree. Do you have a caliper to measure the diameter of the hole?

No I don’t, where can I get one

 

[Fless]

Harbor Freight, for one, if you have one anywhere nearby.

https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/measuring-marking/calipers-micrometer/calipers.html

 

[OR VietVet]

The 1.885 in. would be just under 2" diameter.

The 1.816 in. would be just over 1 3/4" diameter.

The differences should be big enough to make a pick.