[urq] Defining early ball joints

[n-engelbert at terrans.net]

> Just need to clarify how subject is defined  particularly as it relates to
> my
> early 83.
>
>             VIN    WAUDC0856DA900214    Sold  as 83 model, first use 17th
> May
> 1982.
>             Engine  Number    WX 000192
>             Front  Suspension:                      Anti-roll bar WITHOUT
> drop links
>             Rear   Suspension:                      Anti-roll bar WITHOUT
> drop links.
>
>     Is this early, and is it all the ball joints that  are NLA?
>
>     Martin dapot.

The family album breaks out cars up to 900581 or so as early 83.  Some
higher than that still had the early suspension, and some lower than that
had the newer suspension.  ISTR that Martin Pajak has some experience on
this.  I don't think the later cars had a rear sway bar, someone correct
me if I'm wrong.

The front left/rear right and front right/rear left ball joints are
identical, so there are only two part numbers, and they're more or less
NLA.  I'll have to see if I can get the other "rare parts" ball joints and
compare them to the ones that are currently on the car.  I'll steal some
calipers from a friend of mine or from work tonight and measure the ball
joint shaft on the two ball joints that I have.

Also, on cars like ours, the sway bar bushings are NLA as well.  I've got
a friend who's a Honda suspension designer, and he told me he could
probably help out with bushings.  I'll have him take a closer look next
time I see him, and I'll see what I can work out.

HTH!

Nathan Engelbert
83 UrQ DA900453
89 90q
91 200q20v avant