HMMWV ball joints

[Mjvaden]

I have a question for some of the HMMWV experts on here, about ball joints.

I have a 87 M998 I am working on. It has the old style ball joints on the uppers with the 5/16 inch bolt holes and 3/8 bolt holes on the bottom. I have read a little about the old 5/16 ones failing and am also having a hard time finding them.

My question is... Can i drill out the 5/16 holes to 7/16 to facilitate the mounting of the heaver ball joints?

Thanks, Mike

 

[Retiredwarhorses]

You can drill the uppers to 3/8...not much meat on the lowers to go with 7/16 though....that's a newer type control arm.
the uppers are not 7/16...only the lowers.if your just gonna drive it leisurely, the 5/16 And 3/8 are fine.