play in front ball joints; Gabriel struts

[Will98D]

Is there any vertical play allowed in the ball joints? I've got about 1.0mm (0.040") of play on the left and 1.5 - 2.0mm (0.060 - 0.080") on the right.

Also, anyone ever use Gabriel Gas Ryder strut inserts for a daily driver? I suppose they're probably at least as good as what came on the car in 1974, but am curious if anyone has experience with them. At $31 per insert it seems reasonable.

[Mark Howard]

I've had Gabriels in mine for about a year now. Work great, good ride. Not stiff enough to bounce you real hard, so probably not good fo AutoX, etc. Can't beat the price either. Easy to replace if they go bad. At less than half the cost of Boge, it was an easy decision for my car.

[Joe Ricard]

This is what my car came with when I bought it last year. Wasn't real crazy about them. P.O. included some 914/6 struts with Koni inserts. I just swapped them over last week. Much improvement in the twisty roads. Front end is way more planted.
The back is still these wierd orange Mullholland made in mexico jobs I will switch when "Koni money" jumps out of my wallet.

I guess as long as your wheels stay on the ground it is all good

[Ron Meier]

Joe - how did you find out the Mullhollands were made in Mexico? Had a set on my '71 (front and rear). Removed them and now they sit in my parts pile.

The Mullholland name is from a long time ago - MRA - Mullholland Racing Assoc. Late at night the sports car crowd would gather on Mullholland Drive in Hollywierd, CA and race this coastal mountain road (much to the chagrin of the local blue meanies).

[Joe Ricard]

well to be more accurate. Painted on the side is MULHLAND by "interpart" Stamped below is BOGE made in Mexico.
They have about 1/2" of loose piston movement (up & down) Pretty much shot.
I think I have driven down Mullholand dr. some 17 yrs ago.