Dust Boot installation

[srldatsun]

I purchased all new dust boots for the front end ball joints. Is their a trick to getting them on. A tool perhaps? I don't want to puncture one of them with a screwdriver. Also do I need the dust seal clamps. Is that something I can get at Napa. The Vendor didn't ask if I need them when I got the boots.

On the Lower ball joint the parts book is showing an inner and outer dust boot. I got the outer but not the inner. Again Vendor didn't mention. I did ask for everthing I need to do the job.

Next would be putting it all back together. When connecting the tie rods to one of the arms, do I press them together first with something or will turning the nut do the job.

Thanks
Jeff
68 2000
69 2000
Rockaway, NJ

[S Allen]

You should be able to just slide them back on with little problems. I did not tear any up when I redid my front end. You could spray some silicone lubricant on them to make them slippery. Again, it should not be a big deal.

As to the clamps-all I can say is it is nice to have a parts car around. If you have one-take it into a NAPA store and they should be able to find you one that will work. I believe the early 70 Datsun trucks used the same clamps. A little tacky and somewhat hard to take off is to use small gauge wire to hold the boots in place. New clamps would be the best route.

I do not recall there being and inner and outer boot on anything in the front suspension--but it has been a couple of years.

Tightening everything back up to the correct torque specs should do the trick. You should not have to have anything pressed back on.

On the clamp thing-if you do get a correct part number could you please let us know? Thanks.

Steve