Proper size of Ball Joint socket for 1966 Chrysler

[Ross Wooldridge]

So, I went to get an alignment on the wagon so I could install my new tires and wheels, and it turns out I have to replace the upper ball joints.

I need to know if the size of the socket is 2+9/64, or 2+1/8 (1/64th smaller)... don't want to buy the wrong socket.

Thanks!

 

[Vaanth]

So, I went to get an alignment on the wagon so I could install my new tires and wheels, and it turns out I have to replace the upper ball joints.

I need to know if the size of the socket is 2+9/64, or 2+1/8 (1/64th smaller)... don't want to buy the wrong socket.

Thanks!

For 1966 Chrysler upper ball joints, use Miller C-3560 ball joint socket. This socket is generically specified as 1-15/16" / 1-59/64" in size. OTC specifies it as 1-59/64". (OTC is the modern company that was Miller, et.al.)

The larger 2-1/8" / 2-9/64" ball joint socket is Miller C-3561 which is for the larger Imperial ball joints. OTC specifies it as 2-9/64".

The dual sizing is due to different sources interpretation of the odd shape of the socket and ball joint compared to conventional sockets.

From the 1966 Chrysler service manual:

 

[Ross Wooldridge]

Thanks. Conflicting info out there, so I will get the new ball joints and hopefully the socket to fit them is the same size as what I need to remove!

 

[mgm1986]

I just did this on my '68 300. As @Vaanth mentioned, the socket I used was the 1-59/64". I removed them with an impact after spraying them with rust penetrant the day before as mine had some pretty decent surface rust.

The new ones I got from RockAuto are Mevotech and they threaded in pretty good and used the same size socket luckily. Once I got them mostly installed with the impact I tightened them to 125+ lb ft torque and they aren't going anywhere.

This is the one I got on ebay: Big Ball Joint Socket

Good luck!

 

[edbods]

I've got a 67 Phoenix/Fury, and the ball joints were 1-59/64" as well. You could also get a 50mm 12 sided socket, and grind out some of the slots to get it to fit. I tried to get it off with a 6 ft breaker bar but it never budged. Buddy at work had a 1/2" impact that dished out 1500 ft-lb, even then it still put up a fight, but alas no match for the impact - zipped it off in about five seconds and flung grease everywhere haha. As per the factory manual, I threaded the new joint by hand as far as I could before zipping it up with the impact again. Bottomed it out on the flange...it's definitely tighter than 125 ft-lb.

If you're still unsure though, with the wheel off, grab your vernier calipers and measure on the flats. From memory, if it's 48.3mm you've got a 1-59/64" ball joint.

Found a pic of someone that modified a 50mm socket: