UMI fitment issueS on 64 Skylark

knucklebusted · Nov 20, 2014

fsj1978 said: ↑

I talked to Ramey at UMI, their A-body expert, and he suggested I either run it as-is with binding ball joints (!?!) or shim the ball joint as their testers do with pre-production items. So I shimmed... With 4 washers. I didn't measure it, but it tilts the BJ A *LOT*. I did a quick check with an electronic level and without shimming the upper arm, I have a bit over 5* of castor (relative to the frame). So I think what I'm going to do is finish my alterations of the A-arms. Get the drivetrain installed. Have it aligned. Take the front end back apart, and re-shim the upper ball joints so they don't bind. Then put it all back together. I don't think the shims on the ball joints will make enough difference to change the alignment specs enough to worry about.

I went to UMI's website, and they still show the .9 uppers, no idea if you can still purchase them.

I was VERY surprised it was suggested I run with binding ball joints, it seems like a really good way to get machinery bent and/or people hurt if it fails.
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Wow again! If this is UMI, I'm glad I haven't spent any money with them. That is just scary advice.

joejbal · May 28, 2015

Any updates to this saga? I'm ready for uppers with tall ball joints (.9"). I have stock lowers with new bushings and .5" tall ball joints. I was gonna do UMI uppers.

fsj1978 · May 28, 2015

I stalled out with the ol' girl still on stands. Life kind of happened, but I need to get back to it and get the ol' girl back on the road. Maybe sometime this year even.

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UMI fitment issueS on 64 Skylark

knucklebusted Well-Known Member

joejbal Well-Known Member

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