From the factory, for years, GM has been been riveting the ball joints to the control arms. I'm guessing when you deal with replacing a ball joint and it was bolted to the arm, someone had already been there/done that on that car. I could only wish they were all bolted in, because the experience changing just a ball joint would be as you remembered it, a piece of cake swap.

Happy to hear you are enjoying these suspension repairs. They can really make a big difference in how the car handles and feels (the best, making you excited about driving your Minion)

When the big trip comes, may it be an easy and safe one!!

 

I am sure driving from coast to coast will be interesting. Hopefully you will have time to see things along the way!

 

JC glad you got it fixed, and seems like a good deal as well

When you do make your trip I wish you and the family the best in the adventure, and remember to take lots of pics along the way

 

Thanks guys! It is good to have a Straight steering wheel. But I tell you, is was kinda liking the way the steering wheel was tilted to the left. Is learned to drive on a stick, and my first 3 cars, after my 71 Impala, we're 5 speeds. So i drive mostly with my left hand on the wheel and my right on the shifter. The way the wheel was tilted I could have my elbow on the arm rest on the door and my hand would be on the cross bar of the steering wheel.
I'll be taking pics and maybe a video or 2 of the trip across the country. This, at least for me, will be the only time in my life I will make such a trip, flying being the preferred mode of travel, so I want to preserve and share this memory!