C2 ball joint selection

[Barbara S.]

I'd like to get opinions about safe ball joint choices for the rebuilding of my A arms. I understand that AFC markets what appears to be ball joints that yield little or no judging deductions. However, I've also heard from a few friends that these ball joints are made in India and may have some functional limitations over the originals. I'd appreciate the board weighing in on the discussion. I do plan on campaigning my car at NCRS events, but safety is also important since I plan on driving (enjoying) my car too.

Thanks.
Tony
4600

[Patrick H.]

Re: C2 ball joint selection

Tony,

Realize that the country of origin has nothing to do with the inherent quality of a part. The quality of a part has everything to do with the specifications to which it was manufactured.

If AFC has specified the use of materials equivalent to or better than the original specifications, then the ball joints are very fine. If, on the other hand, they have not set the correct specifications then all bets are off.

This is true of any product made anywhere.

I would suspect that Moog and many others likely have parts made offshore as well. And, knowing AFC, I would suspect that they sent over original drawings and specs.

Patrick

[Barbara S.]

Re: C2 ball joint selection

Patrick. Given your post, do you know what specs the AFC ball joints were built?
Tony

[Patrick H.]

Re: C2 ball joint selection

No, I just have plenty of experience with the import trade, thus my post.
The fault of bad imported products lies on the US end far, far more than it does on the Chinese/Indian/whatever end. If you recall the Corvette America knockoff wheel disaster of 2 years ago, it was a prime example.

It can't hurt to give AFC a call and ask if they were made to GM specs, including material, tolerances, etc.

Patrick

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 ball joint selection

Patrick and Tony----

...and it would be nice if Tony reports on this board whatever he finds out.

[Joe R.]

Re: C2 ball joint selection

At Carlisle I spoke with Michael Mermelstein (owner of AFC) about the ball joints and several other parts that he reproduces. He was quick to assert that due to his incredible technical abilities and his focus on details, his products are the finest products made anywhere on the planet.

I am not in a position to comment on the accuracy of his claims; they may well be true. All I can say is that I found him to be an interesting character.

[Patrick H.]

Re: C2 ball joint selection

I have found him to be an interesting character as well.

Patrick