I have a 69 with a 427 in it, and just replaced the ball joints. After re-installing the springs, and tightning up the nuts on the ball joints to the proper specs, the spindles seem really stff to turn, with no tie rods connected. it takes both hands to turn both of them back and forth. I have only greased one side to see how it compares to the other, and it seems about the same. Does this sound normal?
Thanks in advance.

 

No, it does not sound normal. But then, its difficult to know what you mean by "really stiff to turn" -- do you mean by hand after you install them (yeahy, they will be), or do you mean the steering is very tight and stiff when you drive it (that should not be the case) when you replace them, they are a bit stiffer, and if the old ones were really worn and sloppy there could be a difference. I would suggest driving it carefully at low speeds -- how does it do?.

 

Lee,
Thanks for the reply. I had the local Bee Line guy stop by, and he said they were tight, but felt normal, as it is in the air with no load on them yet. He said it should be more free when it gets down on the ground with the engine in place. So far, the tie rods are not installed. I hope to get it drivable by late spring, then its to tackle the paint, then the interior! It sure makes a person appreciate a restoration, and also a new vehicle!