new ball joints are knurled, old ones were smooth, is this O.K to install

[reamer]

Since the walls of the new ball joints are knurled or "splined" to bite into the walls, is this O.K. to install? the old ones were smooth on the walls as are the walls in the steering knuckles.
reamer

 

[JohnJohn]

The balljoints should be smooth. Double check the part number.

 

[fuzzy2133]

If the old ones were smooth and the new ones (if correct) may be a challenge with the splines. Ideally do don't want to open the hole in the knuckle where the splines will go.

 

[jpopsbronco]

i just did this tonight.. removed old smooth ones and put in new knurled ones. went in realy easy i dont see any issues with em.

 

[gravy]

that is an updated design- the last set of moogs I did were knurled

 

[JohnJohn]

Wow that is news to me. Guess it has been a couple years since I have bought them.

 

[DirtDonk]

I think the practice was started as a "replacement" style for older, possibly worn bores. If I'm not mistaken, you can still get the smooth-bore type.
The knurls would conceivably promote better grip in a potentially worn or damaged hole, where a smooth type might be looser than desired.
I think...

Paul