Ball Joint Installation - Club Car DS

[MikeJafo]

I'm in the process of installing the A Arm lift kit on my 2001 Club Car DS and considering replacing all 3 ball joints. None of them are terrible, but they all have a bit of play in them. Anyone have any insight/opinions on the cost/effort involved in replacing them? Thanks in advance!

[Colbyntx]

An A Arm lift kit should have all new ball joints!

[OLD MEC]

I think you are talking about the steering link ball joints? There are three, one at end of steering shaft, and two on drag link running across to spindles? Club Car shows them as Verticale Sockets Parts numbers are 2-#7540 and 1-#7539. As to installing you should get yourself a cheap "tire rod end fork" ( any auto parts store should have them ) to make job of removal much easier. Hardest job ( minor ) will be counting turns for adjustment and measuring lengths "before removal" to get your 1/8"-1/4" toe in correct.

[oxfordlawn]

so your putting a lift kit and bigger tires on...knowing theres "a bit of play" in the steering links. A bit of play = a lot of pain when one fails when the stress of the tires is exerted on a turn/bump situation. Dont even think about it--REPLACE THEM---THEY ARE VERY CHEAP!
WHnen replacing, just take measurements on old such as grease fitting to grease fitting, or shaft end to grease fitting--then replacate when replaceing with new parts. Using the grease fittings is best as thats always the center over the stud and this measurement cant be changed by different housing sizes or body sizes--your going from and to center.

[MikeJafo]

Originally Posted by oxfordlawn

so your putting a lift kit and bigger tires on...knowing theres "a bit of play" in the steering links. A bit of play = a lot of pain when one fails when the stress of the tires is exerted on a turn/bump situation. Dont even think about it--REPLACE THEM---THEY ARE VERY CHEAP!
WHnen replacing, just take measurements on old such as grease fitting to grease fitting, or shaft end to grease fitting--then replacate when replaceing with new parts. Using the grease fittings is best as thats always the center over the stud and this measurement cant be changed by different housing sizes or body sizes--your going from and to center.

Thanks to everyone for their comments and advice - the ball joints were $13 each, so it was a no-brainer! Have the front part of the lift kit done and tires on, will finish back tomorrow. Pics to follow. Cheers!