All this talk about car wrecks has got me second guessing on how I installed mine when I put in my new engine. The front dose seems a bit more loose than it did before I pulled the engine way last year. I'm assuming that the cap would be tight in the socket with just a little grease to help it move slightly? Would anyone have a photo of a correctly installed wishbone ball cap to engine? Because I cant load photos on this site from my cell phone of how I mounted mine I cant show you.
Usually, the cap needs to be filed so you will have a better fit. Just keep filing until you get a good fit, and then pack it with wheel bearing grease.
Will,
The wishbone ball must be able to move in the socket. Clamping the cap down tight against the ball itself will create binding. With the cap tightened down, the ball should have just enough clearance to allow movement, and nothing more. The reproduction style APCO spring loaded caps are a nice accessory that provides for movement but takes up any slop.
I also make the shims for that,Bob