Weird Ball Joint Issue

[01LS8]

First time poster but long time reader. Was getting my right passenger ball joint fixed on my 2001 LS V8. Have constant issues with the steering drifting to the right.

Initially, I tried to get my mechanic to pop out the ball joint and install the Moog aftermarket part. He was not able to do so and insisted the ball joint was too big. I inspected the ball joint he removed from the control arm and it was bigger than the Moog part. I ordered that correct Moog part K500084.

Mind you I had the control arm replaced (used) about a year ago. Could they have messed up and gotten the wrong control arm?

What is wrong here? Has anyone had this issue?

 

[2000sport]

Thats odd...

Maybe you have a second gen control arm?

if so, order K500085

 

[01LS8]

I was thinking that. Would that explain the difference is ball joint sizes? I was under the impression the MG500084 was 14mm. How could a smaller ball joint be placed in the vehicle. I thought it was only 14mm and 16mm??

The mechanic is as honest as they come. Not questions about his character. But this just baffles me.

In the end, I ordered a replacement control arm (used again). I am sure I will have the same problem in about a year, and at that point I will dump the car.

 

[2000sport]

Was the steering knuckle ever replaced?

 

[01LS8]

Maybe my dad did at some point. I am not sure. Like I said before, its moot as I already ordered the full part but I was very annoyed.