Hey guys,

I'm trying to get my 83 pickup through VI and they just failed it for ball joints along with some other nitpicky BS. The truck has a solid front axle which is new to me and I can't see any ball joints. This is probably a stupid question but I've searched and can't seem to find any info. Does to this setup have ball joints? If not what wear can account for vertical wheel play in a solid front axle hub?

I need to get this thing on the road. They inspector told me my truck is considered an "eye sore" by the authorities and they targeted to be kept off the road. Can't give them any excuse to fail it.

thanks for you help.

 

There are probably talking about #43232 in the picture. If they don't know a solid axle doesn't have ball joints, they shouldn't be inspecting cars.

 

no ball joints
what are your symptons? does it pull to left or right? Do you have death wobble?
do you mean tie rod ends?
up and down wheel play could be wheel bearings, trunnion bearings etc

probably time to rebuild the front end

 

No need to repeat what's been said...

I don't know about vehicle inspections in the great province of Bring Cash but in Ontario and Alberta they are done by private garages so, if BC is the same I'd just take it to someone who knows what they are looking at and doing. I had absolutely no problem re-registering mine here in Alberta, however mine is in considerably better condition then the 'eye sores' I've seen around Fernie. Perhaps try a Toyota dealership, they should know what their looking at! If the inspections are done by the government (i.e. public employees) you may have a problem.