Lower control arm joints don't look quite right. What's wrong?

[giantpune]

This is a 73 mach1 with factory disc brakes.  Years ago, I had the suspension parts replaced.  Then the car sat.

I had it up on the alignment rack today and we saw the joints at both control arms where they meet the spindles doesnt look like its supposed to be that way.  It looks like maybe the stud was too fat to fit in the hole in the spindle.  Or maybe they didnt get seated all the way?  Or maybe they are fully installed, but some mice have eaten away the rubber boots?

Hopefully somebody here has an idea from these pictures.

 

[Don C]

I think your mice must like rubber and grease. This is what it should look like

Lower Control Arm Assembly - Economy for 1967 Mercury Cougar, 1968 Mercury Cougar, 1969 Mercury Cougar, 1970 Mercury Cougar, 1971 Mercury Cougar, 1972 Mercury Cougar, 1973 Mercury Cougar, 1967 Ford Mustang, 1968 Ford Mustang, 1969 Ford Mustang, 1970 Ford Mustang, 1971 Ford Mustang, 1972 Ford Mustang, 1973 Ford Mustang at West Coast Classic Cougar :: The Definitive 1967 - 1973 Mercury Cougar Parts Source (cougarpartscatalog.com)

You can get replacement boots, just fill it with grease before you out it on.

Dust Seal - Ball Joint - Lower for 1967 Mercury Cougar, 1968 Mercury Cougar, 1969 Mercury Cougar, 1970 Mercury Cougar, 1971 Mercury Cougar, 1972 Mercury Cougar, 1973 Mercury Cougar at West Coast Classic Cougar :: The Definitive 1967 - 1973 Mercury Cougar Parts Source (cougarpartscatalog.com)

 

[tony-muscle]

Yeah. No boot and no grease. Even a shiny stud. Those mice may be a gem when you want parts clean.

BTW, may not be safe to be driven too long if it is dry.