The only damage to the balljoints was the top domed metal covers. I damaged them when I used the pickle fork to separate the balljoint from the stub axle. I'm not sure if I can buy those separately. Alternatively, I could tap them back into shape as best as I could. There was no sign of any rubber boot on these. Anyway, thanks for the heads up on the balljoints. I won't replace them in a hurry, not atleast without my local mechanic inspecting them first. Only some of the control arm bushes were tired, but they're quite cheap so I may as well replace them all. The shocks don't seem that old either, they're Monroe's and still have a good coat of paint on them (not that that means much). My mechanic told me they'd need replacing when he checked over the car a few months ago (he didn't pick on the balljoints then).
Cheers,
Lloyd
