I've just replaced all the ball joints on my 68 Bird with Moog ball joints. The problem I have is I can't seem to get the dust cover (grease boot cover) to seal nicely around (even after coating it with grease). It wants to be lifted on one side or another. Any ideas?

I've just replaced all the ball joints on my 68 Bird with Moog ball joints. The problem I have is I can't seem to get the dust cover (grease boot cover) to seal nicely around (even after coating it with grease). It wants to be lifted on one side or another. Any ideas?

I always used a small ball peen hammer and carefully tapped it on with the ball side of the hammer . Start the one side with your hand and start to tap the opposite side at the bottom edge at the ring until it goes on. Just be carefull not to hit the boot too hard or it will tear.

Might see if you can use a piece of right-size exhaust tubing as a driver. Be careful, they're easy to tear!

I got them! I had a helper hold while I hit the boot with a small hammer. Thanks!

I always use a socket that I got awhile back to take off the front spindle nuts on a 4 wheel ord truck. It fits the boot perfect

Doc, funny you say that. I have a spindle socket for my 98 Ranger 4x4 and I thought the exact same thing, but my socket was a bit too big.

The one I have is for a 78 Ranger F-150. I made the guy give me the socket for doing the work on his truck since I didnt have one already. Havent used it since on a truck but multiple times for front suspensions...... At least it is good for something.....

So you press the ball joint in first and then put the boot over? I am getting ready to do this and I don't want to mess it up.

thanks!

Correct, Press in the ball joint and then put the grease/dust boot on from the top side of the control arm

I have another question now. The upper ball joint. I got a kit from PST. Do you put the joint thru the a-arm and then the rubber boot and then the metal tin colar?

Also are there any tricks to getting the upper bump stop in? I messed with that bump stop last night and could not get it in.

thanks
eric

Put the upper ball joint through the top of the arm with the bolts sticking down, then from the bottom, feed the boot, then the tin plate and the nuts.

Put some vasoline or grease on the bump stop before trying to install it.