Photos Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Clearance

[gogurtruiz]

Hi fellas,

Have a '98 AWD Limited I'm trying to get more road worthy. I know just about every component in the suspension needs to be replaced at this point, but was curious if this was normal: the bolt and nut from the lower control arm ball joint seem to be very close to the inside of the wheel. I can't see any marring or scratch marks, but just seems way too close IMO?

Would appreciate another set of eyes, thanks guys.

First post here so let me know if I missed anything!

 

[C420sailor]

Normal

 

[donalds]

Normal

 

[gogurtruiz]

Much appreciated guys!

 

[410Fortune]

Are those 15” wheels?

 

[gogurtruiz]

Are those 15” wheels?

Yep. Currently using 235/75R15 tires.

 

[J_C]

My '98 has 15" wheels and while there wasn't a big gap, I don't remember it being nearly as small a gap as the pictures make it look.

Is the new BJ stud longer than the original? That'd do it. Either way I wouldn't worry about it, if it's not touching then you should never have a cast rim flex enough to matter.

 

[gogurtruiz]

My '98 has 15" wheels and while there wasn't a big gap, I don't remember it being nearly as small a gap as the pictures make it look.

Is the new BJ stud longer than the original? That'd do it. Either way I wouldn't worry about it, if it's not touching then you should never have a cast rim flex enough to matter.

Thanks for the response! I'm not sure if the BJ studs in the photos are the originals, and I haven't ordered new ones to compare yet.

The cotter pin is also folded below the nut instead of to the side on one of the wheels, making the gap look even smaller. Glad to hear it's not really an issue though. I'm sure once the new parts are in there it'll be even more space.

 

[C420sailor]

Even with new parts, it’s close. Short of a hub about to come apart/off the knuckle, it isn’t a factor.