Upper Rear Ball Joints (4th & 5th gens)

Post by **NafemanNathan** » Sun Jan 24, 2016 12:00 pm

I know that 4th gen and 5th gen lower ball joints are the same front and back, and that the front uppers are different between generations 4th gen = 33mm, 5th gen = 35mm. I also know that both rear uppers are 33mm...

... But are they interchangeable when considering the depth of the circlip groove?

I ask as I'm wanting to replace all the ball joints on my 5th gen and I've got a full set waiting to go on the 4th gen that aren't going to be fitted any time soon. So I'm hoping I only need to source some new front uppers.

89 UKDM BA4 4WS (resto job!) · Post by **wurlycorner** » Sun Jan 24, 2016 12:05 pm

NafemanNathan wrote:I've got a full set waiting to go on the 4th gen that aren't going to be fitted any time soon.

This is a massive surprise!
I might have to go and lie down for a bit...

Post by **NafemanNathan** » Sun Jan 24, 2016 12:08 pm

I did wonder if I should have prelaughed at any hilarious banter

mercutio · Post by **mercutio** » Sun Jan 24, 2016 12:29 pm

wurlycorner wrote:
NafemanNathan wrote:I've got a full set waiting to go on the 4th gen that aren't going to be fitted any time soon.

This is a massive surprise!
I might have to go and lie down for a bit...

shame on you wurly for laughing at Nathans laxness i am sure i saw nathans car on tv the other day in the museum of procrastination

Post by **NafemanNathan** » Sun Jan 24, 2016 12:59 pm

Just answer the bloody question! I need to put what bits I can't use back under the floor boards.

Post by **NafemanNathan** » Sun Jan 24, 2016 1:00 pm

And are front droplinks the same between 4th and 5th gens as well?

Post by **NafemanNathan** » Sun Jan 24, 2016 1:19 pm

@Merlin @4thgenphil

Post by **newkid** » Sun Jan 24, 2016 1:40 pm

Rears are same bud. Make sure u stick with the 5th rear upper arms as they have a strengthening plate from standard. Good upgrade on a 4th.

Post by **NafemanNathan** » Sun Jan 24, 2016 1:47 pm

Cheers newkid. Yeah was aware of that upgrade and thought that could have been a reason the depth of the joint could have differed.

mercutio · Post by **mercutio** » Sun Jan 24, 2016 2:11 pm

well the upper arms are interchangeable and a good retrofit so i dont see why they wouldnt be