the snow discharge spout pipe from a snowblower is conventionally extended by spout extensions commanded by control rod linkages . the present ball and socket joints are used to interconnect each pair of successive link arms to one another , and some link arms to the snowblower casing . these joints are of the universal joint type , including a ball rotatable into a spherical socket . each end of a link arm has such a joint . each socket is composed of two ring members in mutual contact at their flat inner radial faces . these faces are precisely machined to obtain the desired clearance between the spherical surfaces of the ball and ring members . each ball includes an axial bore , rotatably receiving a shoulder bolt . the bolt and ball have lubricating passages opening at the relatively movable bearing surfaces of the bolt , ball and ring members .