Looking for feedback: Cobra Valley R/T Super High Performance Adjustable Ball Joints

Dustin Mustangs · #1 (**permalink**) 07-05-2011, 12:53 PM

We have exhausted all other efforts at getting rid of our front end shake that resulted from switching to 17" wheels (original thread here). Just wondering if anyone has any feedback on the Cobra Valley R/T Super High Performance Adjustable Ball Joints with or without regards to a front end shake.

Thanks in advance...

Mark IV · #2 (**permalink**) 07-05-2011, 01:10 PM

Numerous postings on SCOF attest to the improvement in vibration reduction at speed. Craig Aylsworth just commented on the improvement on his drive from Michigan to Florida in his Mk III.

They are not so expensive that they would not be a good attempt at curing your issue.

WardL · #3 (**permalink**) 07-05-2011, 08:11 PM

I think I'm ordering a set. One thing that puzzles me is they claim to reduce the bump-steering issue. I accept the claim, my issue is why doesn't SPF make a slight design change to correct the bump-steer issue with the stock ball joints? I expect there is something you give up when correcting the geometry that I don't know about. It seems the improved ball joints are well worth the investment.

dont · #4 (**permalink**) 07-05-2011, 08:44 PM

Since this happened when you switched to 17" rims, check the depth of the pin drive holes in the rims compared to the length of the pins. I found that 3 of my pins were 28.5MM compared to the rest being 27MM. This caused the rim not to seat against the hub with my PSE rims. Ground down the 3 pins and the shake went away.

Dustin Mustangs · #5 (**permalink**) 07-06-2011, 07:55 AM

My original post was incorrect, the problem was there before the switch to the 17" wheels/tires. So this problem has been with us through two sets of wheels/tires and multiple alignments/balances done at different shops.

nviromn · #6 (**permalink**) 07-06-2011, 08:34 AM

I only had a slight front end shimmy, but I can attest to the fact that the RT joints not only take that away, but they are so smooth it is like having power steering.

r67cat · #7 (**permalink**) 07-06-2011, 09:28 AM

Dustin, I made the upgrade and the chronic annoying 65-70 mph. shimmy disappeared and as the others have indicated the steering is considerably easier almost as though power steering. Should you upgrade please notice how stiff stock ball joints are. This is just how they are mass produced. The reduction of bump steer is a result of the purposely designed stud that permits the tie rods to be more parallel to the lower A arm. I think this could only be accomplished by custom designing these for our cars. Rick

mickmate · #8 (**permalink**) 07-06-2011, 04:35 PM

I installed a set recently. It was most interesting to note all the old ones I pulled out were extremely stiff to move which they shouldn't be with mileage and wear on them. The other thing I noticed is they really didn't want to be straightened out, I put them in a vice and tried to with a pipe on them. The new R/T's made a huge difference. Be very careful of the threads on the ball joint housings. Some were cut using a dull tap and they have an even worse thread profile and engagement. The ones I changed out had been Loctited in to try and correct this. It was recommended to me to not install the new ones with Loctite and use the specified torque. There are some tricks if you get into trouble there. It's a highly recommended upgrade to the front end from me, reducing shake and steering effort.

madmaxx · #9 (**permalink**) 07-06-2011, 05:47 PM

Did you guys get the super polished version or $69 version? What percentage of steering effort was reduced? 50%

jhv48 · #10 (**permalink**) 07-06-2011, 08:27 PM

I just ordered a set of the $69 ones. They said that it will take a week or so to build them.

WardL · #11 (**permalink**) 07-06-2011, 10:35 PM

Did you get the recommended installation tools as well?

mickmate · #12 (**permalink**) 07-07-2011, 03:57 AM

Yes the installation socket.

jhv48 · #13 (**permalink**) 07-07-2011, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WardL

Did you get the recommended installation tools as well?

Yes, I got the installation tool too

r67cat · #14 (**permalink**) 07-08-2011, 09:52 AM

Standard version with the installation tool, which is necessary to properly take the old ball joint out and torque the new one in. Ball joints along with the rear shock bracket from Cobra Valley are in my opinion the best upgrades to the stock Superformance Cobra you could make. Rick

WardL · #15 (**permalink**) 07-09-2011, 12:48 AM

OK, I ordered the $70 ball joints and the socket to replace them. Red seemed to be a nice color. I might need Tim or Bob to help me install them.....Oh, I better get a front end alignment after they go in too, right?

r67cat · #16 (**permalink**) 07-09-2011, 10:10 AM

Yes Ward you will want to get the car aligned after the install. The alignment specs. are in the owners manual. You will find very detailed instructions with the ball joints. Depending on the condition of your dust boots, you may want to clean them well and use them in place of the dust boots supplied with the ball joints. Rick

Rick Parker · #17 (**permalink**) 07-09-2011, 11:39 AM

What is the pricing of these? Will they replace the typical screw in "Chrysler" type that are used in other applications other than SPF?

madmaxx · #18 (**permalink**) 07-09-2011, 12:16 PM

Ouch, 4X70= 280 plus tool 49, plus alignment 100 = $430 to replace ball joints that have less than 5k miles??????? I have cars with 200K on the ball joints.

jhv48 · #19 (**permalink**) 07-09-2011, 12:48 PM

Or, you could sit back and wait till I get mine installed and aligned and see if it cured my problem

madmaxx · #20 (**permalink**) 07-09-2011, 01:40 PM

Now that I have a limp arm I am interested in how much easier it is to turn the car with the new ball joints. I have never had a vibration issue with my spf at any speed, bfg 275/15's. I cant say the same about any other car I have owned. My Lexus has more vibration.