I've used many of them over the years. They work fine. Working on many Syncros some of the so called German ones don’t quite fit. I have had problems with them not having enough "articulation" to accommodate full suspension drop. I have not had any problems with the BA or Meyle in this regard. When getting suspension parts don't be surprised when you get two different parts when getting a pair even from the same brand. Just experienced this with outer tie rod ends from AutoZone. Both boxes same on outside. Parts of two drastically different designs and one from Mexico and one from Taiwan. The Mexican one looked like something from an American car with a slip off boot and a grease nipple on top. I like that design. The Taiwan one looked almost like what would be expected. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Shawn Wright
Sent: Wednesday, September 10, 2014 9:45 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Beck/Arnley ball joints

Hi all,

Just picked up a Beck/Arnley upper ball joint from a FLAPS, box said Made in Germany, but sealed bag inside said Made in Taiwan. Needless to say, I am a bit peeved. Normally I would not deal with a FLAPS, especially since I am replacing a failed ball FLAPS ball joint after less than 30k. But it was Beck/Arnley, and cost was about the same as online+shipping.

Is this common for B/A, or is it possible someone swapped in a generic part at the warehouse? The box looks a bit worn...

Not sure I should waste my time installing another potentially crappy part.
Who makes the best ball joints, that I can order from Canada?

Thanks,

'88 Westy TD

--
Shawn Wright
shawngwright@gmail.com