While the front end is in the air an inch or two, grab a long crowbar or
pipe and slide it under a front wheel a bit.  Lift and see if there is any
movement in that ball joint.  If so, replace.  They are bolted in, but
you'll need an alignment afterwards.

Karl Wolz
----- Original Message -----
From: "David Cooper" <Zcoop1@AOL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, April 04, 2000 7:58 AM
Subject: front end

> The front end on my 82 Westy feels loose and sort of clunks when I go over
> dips.  I jacked up the front end and could not find anything that felt
loose.
>  The boots on the upper ball joints are cracked but otherwise seem fine.
Any
> ideas?  Is replacement of the upperball joints a home job or are they
pressed
> in?
> Thanks.
> David Cooper
>