If you are looking for some great way to improve the performance and appearance of your car, you might have considered installing ball joint spacers. Ball joint spacers fit between the upper ball joint and the upper control arm, creating more space between the wheel and the suspension. They are designed to lift the vehicle’s front end, increase wheel travel, and allow larger tires. But are they worth it? What are ball joint spacers pros and cons? Read on to find out the benefits and drawbacks of this modification and help you decide if it is right for you.
Reasons for Using Ball Joint Spacers
- Improve vehicle camber adjustment with 2-3 inches of suspension lift in the front.
- To reduce the ball joint angle during off-road use, which can cause premature failure of the top ball joint.
- Increasing the suspension droop improves the traction and stability of the vehicle.
Ball Joint Spacers Pros and Cons
Pros
- They improve the camber adjustment in vehicles with 2-3 inches of suspension lift in the front, which enhances handling and tire wear.
- Reduces the ball joint angle during off-road use, which prevents premature failure of the top ball joint.
- Increase the suspension droop, improving the vehicle’s traction and stability.
- They improve the vehicle’s appearance by lifting the front end and allowing for larger tires.
- They can correct component-clearing issues, such as rubbing or interference with aftermarket wheels or brakes.
Cons
- Fitting incorrectly can cause safety issues, such as wheel wobble, steering vibration, or alignment problems.
- Reduce the vehicle’s maneuverability, especially in tight turns or parking situations, as they increase the turning radius.
- Increase the risk of component failures, such as premature wear or damage to the ball joints, control arms, CV joints, steering parts, or tires.
- They do not change the spring rate of the suspension. They only increase the height, which limits the amount of suspension droop and can affect the ride quality and comfort.
- Some spacers can fall out or become loose over time, which can cause serious damage or accidents.
Choosing The Right Type And Size of Ball Joint Spacers For Your Vehicle Model And Desired Lift Height
Choosing the right type and size of ball joint spacers for your vehicle model and desired lift height is important to ensure proper fitment, alignment, and performance. Different ball joint spacers are available, such as cast aluminum, bolted together, or C-type spacers. Each type has advantages and disadvantages, depending on the vehicle model, the desired lift height, and the material used.
C-type spacers:
Cast Aluminum spacers
Bolted Together Spacers
What to Consider When Choosing The Type And Size of Ball Joint Spacers
- Vehicle model:
Different vehicles have different suspension designs, geometry, and components. Therefore, not all types and sizes of ball joint spacers will fit or work well with every vehicle model. Before buying, you should check the compatibility and specifications of the ball joint spacers with your vehicle model. You can also consult a professional mechanic or a reputable supplier for advice on the best type and size of ball joint spacers for your vehicle model.
- Desired lift height
The desired height is the vertical distance you want to raise the front end of your vehicle by installing ball joint spacers. The lift height will affect the wheel travel, the ball joint angle, the camber adjustment, and the clearance issues of your vehicle. Generally, the thicker the spacer, the higher the lift. However, you should not exceed the recommended lift height for your vehicle model, as it can cause safety issues, reduced maneuverability, component failure, and spring rate limitations.
- Material used
The material used for making ball joint spacers is another factor to consider when choosing the type and size of ball joint spacers. Most ball joint spacers are made of aluminum or steel, which are strong and durable materials that can withstand the stress and pressure of the suspension. However, aluminum spacers are lighter and cheaper than steel spacers, while steel spacers are stronger and more corrosion-resistant than aluminum spacers. You should choose the material that suits your budget, preference, and driving conditions.
Step-by-step Process on How to Install Ball Joint Spacers:
- Park the vehicle on level ground and chock the wheels with a handbrake to prevent the vehicle from rolling or moving during the installation.
- Jack up the front of the vehicle and support it with axle stands or a spare tire. That will allow you to access the suspension components and remove the wheels. Never lay under a lifted vehicle when jacked off the ground.
- Remove the front wheels and any cables or hoses that may interfere with the installation. This gives you more room to work and avoid damaging any parts.
- Remove the top and lower bolts of the strut to allow you to remove the strut from the vehicle and install the spacer.
- Fit the spacer between the strut and the upper mount and tighten the nuts firmly. This will lift the vehicle’s front end by the spacer’s thickness. Use a thread locker on the stock studs for safety.
- Remove the upper ball joint of the upper control arm to allow you to install the ball joint spacer between them.
- Fit the ball joint spacer between the upper control arm and the ball joint and tighten the bolts firmly. This will increase the wheel travel and reduce the ball joint angle. Use a thread locker on the stock studs for safety.
- Reinstall the strut with the spacer into the vehicle and align the studs at the top. This may require turning or prying the strut to line up with the holes. Tighten all the bolts to factory specifications.
- Reconnect any cables or hoses removed and reinstall the wheels to restore the functionality and appearance of your vehicle.
- Lower the vehicle back to the ground and loosen and retighten the upper control arm bolts. This will relax the stress on the rubber bushes and ensure proper alignment.
- Get a wheel alignment as soon as possible. This will correct any changes in the camber, caster, or toe caused by installing ball joint spacers.
How to Maintain And Inspect Ball Joint Spacers
Maintaining and inspecting your ball joint spacers and suspension components for signs of tear or damage is key to ensuring the safety and performance of your vehicle. Ball joint spacers are subject to a lot of stress and pressure from the suspension and can wear out or fail over time. Therefore, you should check them regularly and replace them if necessary.
Here are steps to follow when maintaining and inspecting your ball joint spacers and suspension components:
- Check the ball joint spacers for looseness or play.
Jack up the front of the vehicle and support it with axle stands or a spare tire. Then, grab the wheel at the top and bottom (12 and 6 o’clock), lift, and pull down. You can also grab the wheel at the sides (9 and 3 o’clock) and move it in and out. The ball joint spacers are loose or worn out if you feel excessive movement or hear clunking sounds. You could also use a dial indicator to measure the play in the ball joint spacers and compare it with the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Check the ball joint spacers for corrosion or damage.
Do this by visually inspecting the ball joint spacers for any signs of rust, cracks, dents, or deformation. Check the nuts and bolts that secure the ball joint spacers for any signs of looseness, wear, or damage. Use a torque wrench to tighten them to factory specifications, and use a thread locker for extra security. If you find any corrosion or damage on the ball joint spacers, you should replace them as soon as possible.
- Check the dust boots for tears or leaks.
Visually inspect the rubber dust boots that cover the ball joints and protect them from dirt, moisture, and debris. Check the grease fittings that lubricate the ball joints for signs of clogging, leakage, or damage. If you find any tears or leaks on the dust boots or grease fittings, replace them as soon as possible, as they can compromise the integrity and longevity of the ball joints.
- Check the suspension components for wear or damage.
You can do this by visually inspecting the other suspension components connected to or affected by the ball joint spacers, such as the control arms, struts, CV joints, steering parts, or tires. You should look for any signs of wear, damage, misalignment, or interference caused by using ball joint spacers. You should also listen for any noises or vibrations indicating a problem with the suspension components; if you find any wear or damage on the suspension components, repair or replace them as soon as possible.
FAQs
What are ball joint spacers made of?
Most ball joint spacers are made of aluminum or steel, which are strong and durable materials that can withstand the stress and pressure of the suspension.
How much spacing do ball joint spacers provide?
Ball joint spacers can vary in thickness from 1 to 2 inches, depending on the vehicle model, the desired lift height, and the type of spacer. The thicker the spacer, the higher the lift.
How to install ball joint spacers?
Ball joint spacers require mechanical knowledge and tools to install. They involve jacking up the vehicle, removing the wheels, removing and reinstalling the struts and ball joints with spacers in between, and torquing all the bolts to factory specifications. It is also important to use a thread locker on the stock studs, and paint mark the spacer nuts for safety. A wheel alignment is also required after installing ball joint spacers.
Final Thoughts
Ball joint spacers can be a great upgrade for some vehicles, but they are not for everyone. They are a simple and affordable way to lift the front end of your vehicle, increase wheel travel, and allow for larger tires. However, they also have some drawbacks, such as safety issues, reduced maneuverability, component failure, and spring rate limitations. Therefore, you should weigh Ball joint spacers pros and cons before installing them on your vehicle. You should also follow the proper installation steps and get a wheel alignment afterward.
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