If you look at the end of the original ball studs in the spindle, you will see where they were power peened to keep them in place. I would guess that the originals were a press fit and the power peening was insurance that they stayed in place.
So now we are hoping that the new style replacement ends are made to be a press fit in the old spindle hole. We also now have to replicate the power peening which was done 60-something years ago by GM.
I hope that I never have to do this.
BTW, I have 3 ADs and all six original tie rod balls are still round (6 drag link ball ends as well). Maybe three different great grandpas kept each of them greased and I am a lucky dog for it.
Carl
Last edited by 52Carl; 01/15/2019 2:17 AM.
