The instructions clearly state that the shield is to be in the arm first:

Ball3.jpg

But when I try to put it in it doesn't fit:
Ball1.jpg

If I try to assemble it all together then there is no way the boot will survive the sharp edge of the shield:

Ball2.jpg

If I place the boot into the shield then try to install the joint, the shield/boot will never be able to be tightened:
Ball4.jpg

What is going on here?
One problem is that none of the local auto parts stores have anything in stock for cars this old, so I cant pull something off the shelf to check the fit.

Rob's ball joints look like they fell in, where these would have to be pressed in, then I'm afraid the shields will cut the boots. These are from Napa (most likely going back too).

Any one else have these issues?

 

I just did the same on my car. And came across the same issue- the included instructions do not "work". Seeing that it is impossible to install them they way thier drawing shows I installed them with the metal sleeve under the CA, same as the old ones were that I took off.......

 

I looked at doing that, but the sleeve doesn't fit so that the holes line up. I would have to trim quite a bit off of the shield. I'm gonna hold off on it in case I have to return these for ones that will work.

But if that is my only way, I have a killer cut-off/grinding wheel ready to go.

Normally, for me anyways, things go haywire in the taking apart stage, not the rebuilding stage. LOL

 

At most, the tin shield will need a little trimming with tin snips. As above, put the boot in the shield and both under the control arm.

 

What brand of upper ball joints are those??? I have a 72 and that's exactly the same as your 71. My ball joints didn't need any 'extra' cup or shield. I double checked and looked at the 71 CSM and your upper ball joints don't need a 'cup'. See page 20 of 31 in this link for clarification http://wildaboutcarsonline.com/membe...ection_2-3.pdf