when i put my control arm back on ball joint the boot on ball joint had about 1/2" before actually touching the control arm... is this normal? will it be damaged if dirt gets in between control arm and boot?

 

I'm confused on where you're talking about. Your'e talking about the lower ball joint that sits on the lower control arm? They should sit snug together. Your castle nut on the bottom should screw all the way in. If your LCA is sitting lower than normal, you may want to check and make sure your bushings haven't rotted out.

 

the lower control arm is on correctly because castle nut goes all twist all the way up... it just seems like the boot on ball joint isnt coming down enough.. has a slight gap.. not big... will it come down eventually?