The instructions from Moog say to put the nuts on top. I agree with 98DakAZ that the bottom makes sense. When I did my ball joints the first time I had them on the bottom and didn't notice anything, they still lasted 80k miles.

This time I put them on the "right" way. Nuts on top.

 

Just one thing my Dad told me I tell you he knew a ton about autos and almost anything mechanical being an industrial production mechanic in a number or companys welding, electrical, fabrication, machinest and many other specialties.

 

I fix planes, and on them you bolt from the top so if the nut comes off the bolt stays (is actually something fineable by the FAA) so that's how I always do it

 

Me too and I agree, but...

I also follow installation instructions. If it says to install something in a certain direction, I do.

 

ACDelco uses a bunch of relabelled Spicer parts. Which since Raybestos absorbed Spicer ...

Spicer Pro / the higher end Raybestos / the higher end AC Delco are all good parts so far.

RwP

 

Well the top ball joint is just a pivot point in the standard auto so it doesn't get a ton of forces on them so either nut up or down shouldn't matter. But if you off road race or on a track of any kind then the forces on that joint could be 10 X fold and their may be a reason for nut on top.

I don't remember on my new ball joints them saying what way the nut should be at all.

 

Well if the instructs says to 'nut up' Pun intended lol then we'll go with the nut up.. being i do off road..

 

That's my thinking too. I haven't checked but the nut and length of the bolt may interfere with the spindle in certain positions whereas just the head of the bolt would clear.

 

i could see that under full lock and at certain positions.. in an off road condition or something.

 

No no no bolt on top just kidding