Alex's point is this, where the bolt head or nut contacts a mating surface will be at an angle. (edited to a surface)

As the bolt is tensioned the loading under the head of the bolt will only be applied on one side of the bolts head. That will result in a very high stress and is a possible failure point.

The failure could be either the fasteners loosen or the head breaks off.

The correct engineering solution is to either spot face the mating surface ( assuming its thick enough) on the ball joint or sperical washer set.

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Kevin

Last edited by Kevin C; 10/01/09 09:52 PM.
87 Turbo Intercooled Raider, roller cam, torsen rear diff, LSD front diff, lockup auto with modified converter, V6 brakes, low transfer case gears...