Ball Joints

[Chris W]

Wondering what people are using for new ball joints. I remember Hot VW's did a article on them a while ago....I have been told most new ones are very tight and tend to bind.

[Donny B.]

I stocked up about 10 years ago.  I have a brand new set of German ball joints just waiting for me to need them.  I also have some old Mexican ones (not a complete set), but those will be sold and probably not used by me.

[deano]

I think the Bilstein/Febi have the best record as of late. But you need to measure every one to make sure... TRWs as well.....

[Neil Davies]

I had a complete set fitted to some trailing arms a few years ago, can't remember the brand, and one had a different thread to the others! Much finer for some reason.

[.]

Years ago when I was searching for replacement ball-joints I kept hearing about "extended travel" units for lowered front ends and everyone I asked had no idea what I was talking about.
Finally someone told me about Sway-a-Way.
At the time they were the only extended travel ones I could find and they were extremely painful to my wallet !
They were made for off road racing !
They are rebuildable, have zerk fittings and are made of Titanium !
 

[The Action Is Go]

Are these still available from SAW?

[.]

I don't think they have been available for years.

[Chris W]

So all the good options have not been available for a few years.....I will try to get a hold of some of the Bilstein/Febi ones. Whats is the amount crush I am shooting for?

[Bruce]

There is also genuine VW from VW of Mexico.

[deano]

So all the good options have not been available for a few years.....I will try to get a hold of some of the Bilstein/Febi ones. Whats is the amount crush I am shooting for?

I don't recall 100%, but I believe you would be under .010"... As some of these bogus joints would require over .020"!!