Riveted vs Screw on Ball Joints

[mbboy]

Hey guys,

Anybody happen to know whether the riveted ball joints on the front, upper control arm (UCA) of an 81 380sl can be ground off and replaced with the screw-on versions? If so, do the holes in the UCA and/or BJ have to be redrilled, or will the supplied screws fit right into both?

Thanks in advance for the info.

[abe g]

When I had my subframe replaced,(1977 450sl) I installed bolt on ball joints. (I did this years ago on a Ford Torino) no problems. Suppliers all carry this as a stock item for Mercedes. If interested, I will get you name & address of supplier. Regards, Abe G

[mbboy]

Thanks, Abe. After looking at it, I'm now wondering if I can replace the ball joint without removing the control arm from the car. Seems to me that I should be able to just 1) grind the rivets off, 2) pop the ball joint out, 2) bolt the new one on, 3) push the new one back into the steering knuckle, and 4) bolt it down.

Just wondering if anybody out there has done it this way?

Thanks in advance

[macdrone]

I know some were welded and the whole A Arm needs replacement like mine.