Ball Joints and Drop Links

[roseytvr]

2 years ago I striped and rebuilt all four corners including suspension, bushes, ball joints, UJs, steering rack etc. 5000 miles later I have advisories on both lower ball joints and the Steve Heath drop links, so time to replace them. Both ball joints were new supplied by reputable TVR specialist.

Two questions:

1 are there any better ball joints than OEM and if so where do I source them?
2 are the Leven drop links any better than OEM

Thanks
Ian

[QBee]

Cannot comment on your balls, or their joints but

My Leven drop links have taken a hammering over 15,000 miles and passed their MOT a few months ago with no problem. I have heard similar comments about SH ones before. The Leven ones are around £50 a corner, but are very well engineered.

It's the front ones that matter - you could ditch the rear ARB, and hence drop links, and not notice its absence.

[phillpot]

roseytvr said:

1 are there any better ball joints than OEM and if so where do I source them?
2 are the Leven drop links any better than OEM

1. What is OEM? TVR didn't make them and unless your supplier had some old stock they could have been from any of the "after market" suppliers, First Line, Quinton Hazell etc?

2. "Refresh your drop links with some parts from some one like McGill Motorsports

[Colin RedGriff]

I've been very happy with my Racing Green 'upgraded' drop links.

[Chuffmeister]

You could try the Civic drop links on the front and the Mondeo ones on the rear. The rear ARB will need bending inwards by about 25mm each side (cost me £30 at my local metal works). I had never noticed the rear ARB doing anything before, but I did with these drop links and the adjusted ARB. They're also a lot cheaper and more widely available than the SH and TVR ones. Including the one-off adjustment of the rear ARB, you're looking at about £60 all in.

Phazed recommended these and if they're good enough for his 5.5 monster, then they should be good for most.

Also, Alex (alexdaredevils) came up with some nifty looking self designed drop links which were more expensive, but looked pretty good.

I'd also like to know about the balljoints as I have slight play in one of mine at the front.

Edited by Chuffmeister on Thursday 21st August 22:00

[Barreti]

Bloody drop links get on my norks.

In 10 years I've had 3 sets, including the latest and greatest and bloody expensive, and do less than 3k miles a year.
What is it with these damned things.

[Pete Mac]

phillpot said:

"Refresh your drop links with some parts from some one like McGill Motorsports

This looks like a plan. Must investigate further. Have you done this? Pete

[QBee]

No, but I have used McGill track rod ends as fittings for my seat belt harnesses. Beautifully over-engineered, and the scottish gent on the phone was both knowledgable and helpful, and didn't laugh at my lack of engineering knowledge.

[phillpot]

Pete Mac said:

phillpot said:

"Refresh your drop links with some parts from some one like McGill Motorsports

This looks like a plan. Must investigate further. Have you done this? Pete

Made my own, from scratch for my S with bits from McGill




They now have little rubber "booties" to protect them, weren't available (afaik) back then

[phazed]

I'm really happy with the Mondeo estate rears and the Civic fronts as Chuffy stated.

They seem well engineered and nice and firm.

No wear yet but only about 5K miles, 2xTDs and 2xSprints old.

If they wear after a sensible time, they're as cheap as chips to replace.

[Pete Mac]

phazed said:

I'm really happy with the Mondeo estate rears and the Civic fronts as Chuffy stated.

You haven't by chance got Ford & Honda part numbers have you? Pete

[phazed]

http://wap.ebay.co.uk/Pages/ViewItem.aspx?btnWatch...

and ebay civic.

360390662127

those should do.

the Civics are tight to fit necessitating the loosening of the ARB.

Works for me.

[Oggs]

I have the same.... Yes they are shorter than the originals

[phazed]

Excuse the crappy underside, that's this winters project!