posted 06-15-2024 03:48 AM                  

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Originally posted by alrtg:
From my perspective, the taper on the stud needs to be identical to the original ball joint in order to fit properly. IF it were different in any way, modifications would be necessary to either the ball joint or other components to make them work together.

Rare Parts to the best of my knowledge has a good reputation for making quality parts. I have heard nothing bad regarding the company or their products.

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posted 06-15-2024 07:59 AM                  

It shows the difference between the stud on an Original Ball Joint and the Replacement Warranty version.

It appears that the Warranty version stud eliminated the reduction in the shaft diameter that the Original had just above the ball.

NOTE:
I have Edited this reply as I initially mistakenly thought that the warranty replacement ball joint was a Rare Parts item and posted it as such.

My apologies for any confusion or misinformation I may have subjected you to regarding this topic.

Had I been able to find a photo of a Rare Parts stud, I would have included it in my edited post.

posted 06-15-2024 10:31 AM                  

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Originally posted by Tchootch:
Rare Parts website is still showing a ball joint with the undercut.

Does anyone have a picture of the American Racing parts joint as sold by The Prowler Store? I know there's some ill feeling towards PS here, understandably maybe. But if they have a genuinely superior part it would be stupid to ignore it.

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posted 06-15-2024 10:37 AM                  

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Originally posted by garysss:
I thought the original ball joint problem was, no grease fitting, boot would tear, water could get in ball joint and rust. Which allowed the stud and base to wear, which made the stud pull out of base. I don't remember seeing any where the stud broke.

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posted 06-16-2024 11:17 AM                  

I polished the rear on my 01, but only did what you can see from behind the car. I did not have a lift at the that time, so I did it laying on the ground. I'M not a big car show guy, so I only did where average person can see. I have a lift now, but lacking motivation as I get older. LOL 👴😀

posted 06-19-2024 06:01 PM                  

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Originally posted by kat hunter:
So, after reviewing the above pictures I am left wondering if we are going backwards using the Rare Parts ball joints. Is there a better option? The rareparts look to have the same taper as the originals.

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Correction: spelling - HOWE Racing

This topic seems to have gotten off course with chrome. (I like chrome). Let's bring it back to kat hunter's original question. I'll also try to summarize many of the reply comments posted.

The taper in the lower ball joint is actually called an under-cut. It was used in the original Prowler ball joints that were recalled.

Replacement ball joint under recall campaign did not use the undercut. Chrysler stated it was not necessary. So, suspension travel concerns had no effect on original or replacement ball joint.

Kat hunter, Rare Parts ball joint is NOT going backward. Its pull-out strength is considerable higher than either the original Prowler ball joint or its recall replacement as has been posted here. So, there are no design concerns with Rare Parts.

As we are well aware, Prowler recall replacement ball joint stilled continued to fail. Thus, a search for a quality aftermarket replacement was launched. Cat-a-Tonic had extensive conversations with Rare Parts and they agreed to produce a better quality ball joint for our Prowlers. He deserves a great deal of credit for his efforts.

The Prowler Store, (AKA, Hot Car Accessories, Inc), then came along and also introduced a replacement ball joint. They claim it's made by "American Racing Parts company". I cannot find any such company in a Google search. Either could BeWare. Doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

However, there is a company called Howe Racing that produces a remarkable similar ball joint to the Prowler Store.

HoweRacing28thEdition

Note the signature copper stud. and design of housing. Not saying that Howie Racing makes this for Prowler Store, but the resemblance is amazing. Also note, Howie Racing lists Bobby Archer Motorsports as exclusive distributer. Found no website for him and have not tried the phone number.

Personally, after review both companies' products, IMHO I see no significant differences that would affect performance. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Who's going to crawl under car to look at ball joint. Note; both designs use castle nuts and cotter pins that rust and doesn't look very good. That's more of a cosmetic concern. There are ways to get around that rust problem.

Thought I saw a new picture of Rare Parts ball joint with a nylon lock nut instead of castle nut, but their catalogue is showing castle nut.

I personally like to support our POA members and buy products they produce or work tirelessly and diligently to have produced. Rare Parts fits these criteria.

Be advised that whichever you choose, unlike Chrysler/Prowler OEM design, these are metal on metal gusset ball joints that require frequent greasing. A quality grease with high Moly content is required. Think CV joint type grease.

posted 06-20-2024 12:22 PM                  

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Originally posted by Richnew41:
It just so happens that I’m presently in the middle of adding new ball joints to the new chromed A-arms… That said, I ordered Rare Parts for both upper and lower…. The lower does not have a castle nut or hole for a cotter pin. It comes with a nut with a cupped side which I have never seen before (I’m not sure if the cup goes up or down into the knuckle???? Also the cup diameter is large then the washer hole so I’m assuming it goes up ( see below pic )…. Anyone ever seen this????
Also, the upper ball joints are larger in size (as far as the seated/Zerk side). The uppers do have the castle nut…. Also,
The Prowler cover cap does not come anywhere near fitting onto it both in diameter and height.

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Well, I guess I did see the RP newer design picture somewhere. Not sure why their catalogue shows older design. This "A" version has retainers for upper and lower part of boot to keep grease in and contaminates out. Eliminating castle nut and cotter pin gives a much cleaner look to our open front suspension Prowlers. I like this revised design a lot.