New Roadster Owner

[azrdstr]

I recently picked up a '69 2000 Roadster. I currently reside in Arizona and can't wait to get it on the road and enjoy the sunshine.

I'm finding that it is a bit hard finding ball joints to redo the suspension, but I'm up for the challenge.

I look forward to searching the forums for help in getting my Roadster on the road.

Tony

[LI Roadster]

welcome..

I think you should read the "official ball joint thread"
'

[Linda]

Ball joint threads are all deleted and gone due to "unrest" which resulted.
So only private messaging can help newcomers.
Check PMWIKI section etc for more info also.

Linda

[ppeters914]

Check PMWIKI section etc for more info also.

Interestingly (is that a word?), there's nothing much about ball joints in the Tech Wiki. A brief mention in the Suspension section on checking your components, and this note in the Parts Interchange:

Lower Ball Joins can be purchased direct from Rareparts Inc at http://www.Rareparts.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; part # 10245, or via local auto parts store. Approx 158.00 each plus tax & shipping. Part fits all years.

I believe some of our vendors sell them, too.

Welcome!

[dbrick]

Cars usually need two so buy a pair. Aftermarket are available on Ebay, and from Fairlady parts, and OEM Nissans are still avail from Datsunparts.com and a few ebay sellers. http://www.311s.org/vendors.html
I read somewhere that the lower ball joint wear from a combination of not being lubricated and from the control arm bushings being either worn or seized. I lubed the whole front end when I got the car, synthetic grease is great, and have put a few thousand miles on it and relubed since. The balljoints have a little play, but car drives fine. It's almost worth doing the entire front end in one big dirty (and expensive)job, then if you keep it greased, it will last almost indefinably.

Good luck

[datsun1500]

What makes you think the car needs ball joints? Is there play? Noise?

I agree with Dave, if you are going to do it, do it once and do it all. Then with normal upkeep it will last forever.

Sometimes used ones show up on Ebay, but probably not now Cause U Need Them......

[datsun1500]

Clark cars of AZ has some Roadster in the yard, so there might be some good used ones there.

But If They Can't Help and you have to go new, it can get expensive.
They are still available from Nissan if you can find a dealer that wants to get them for you.

[dbrick]

[quote="datsun1500"][/quote]

Don't post right below your own posts...That damn bug make me dizzy, 2 is worse!

[datsun_sp310]

I found this ball joint thread on here,
http://311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=8842

The place who did the diff for my car does lots of stuff for hot rods and does these awesome complete independent front suspensions which has rack and pinion and considering what it will cost to rebuild and replace a complete front end in a Roadster it worked out about the same. If i remember correctly they are around $3500-$4000AUD. Was thinking about putting one in my car, maybe a future project.
http://www.rodtech.com.au/index.htm