What grade nuts for Ball Joints??

[PonyXpress]

Hey all, I'm still doing my front suspension and I got the FMS lower control arms which surprisingly did not come with new Castle Nuts for the Ball joints, I really don't want to re-use the nut I took off my stock suspension. I went to Lowe's and was looking for Grade 8 Castle Nuts but the highest grade they had in Castle Nuts was Grade 5, what comes stock? Is Grade 5 strong enough for a ball joint? I certainly don't want to DOWNGRADE from stock epecially since I am putting all higher performace parts on it. Does anyone know where to find Grade 8 castle nuts?? Thanks guys!!

[bmxmon]

From what i believe is that grade 5 is the minimum you would want to use on automotive. I still wouldnt, its not worth it. I would go to a auto parts store and pick up a grade 8 one there, or whatever they have/recommend.

[drudis]

NAPA often carries more high-end fasteners. Try them.
If not look up in Yellowpages under fasteners. We have one locally called Brefasco. I buy all sorts of stuff from them. The exotic stuff (titanium or military spec, or aircraft) can come from Coast Fabrication 714-842-2603.

[PonyXpress]

THANKS! I contacted that company and ordered some Aircraft quality Castle Nuts, I don't know the exact specs (ie: tensile strength) or anything like that but I'd guess it would be better than Grade 8. I'll sleep better at night knowing I have some stout nuts keeping my ball joints locked down :-)

[DeltaMustang65]

HAHA Nice.

I know how you feel about the missing nuts. I hate when kits are missing important items, especially when they say they "come with EVERYTHING you need". I've run into this problem several times in the last couple months.