2002 sierra ball joint issues
 

I recently bought a lowered a Sierra rcsb shortbed. I am fixing issues from previous owner ball joints were replaced before I got it but stud doesn't stick up enough to put a pin through. Truck is lowered with spindles but unsure of brand. I'm not sure if they installed the wrong ball joints or what. I am hoping maybe someone had seen this before and can give me a solution. I hate to spend money on parts that do not fix it.

Most kits with spindles require you to cut the lower ball joint stud off to clear a 17 inch wheel. You are then instructed to cut an x groove in the 1/8th inch or so left passed the nut and mushroom it lock it in place

Thank you for the response. My truck has 20s.the stud on mine doesn't even come to the top of the nut. Only seems to be a few threads on. Haven't had an issue yet after a few thousand miles. Trying to post a picture but haven't been successful.

Something appears very wrong in that photo. Lower Ball joints should have the nut on the bottom of the knuckle. Your appears to be going up. If that's the case the taper on the stud is not seating properly and that why you can't get a cotter pin in it. If you want to PM me your number I'll text you pics to better understand.

To further explain. That is an aftermarket ball joint. Factory did not use a castle nut , and they are riveted in not bolted. It is possible to bolt the replacement in upside down. That's incredibly dangerous so we need to confirm it is going the correct direction asap.

It's easier to replace the entire LCA when it comes to the ball joints.

Something is definitely wrong here. There should be about 1/2 or so of thread coming out of the nut.

Update. Spindles are older bell tech spindles. My lower ball joints just bolt into the lower control arm. I went to put new ball joints but they looked just like the ones in it so I was confident the outcome would be the same. It's like the spindles aren't machined right in that area.