XRAY - Model racing cars

I noticed today that the metal ball that the lower shock mounts to is very tight and doesn't pivot properly. I checked the T4 build manual and it says to have the shiney side away from the metal ball ??? is this right ? TBH I tried it both ways round and its still tight. Ive never had this problem with any xray before. Any ideas

Shiny side should be outwards. You can polish the ball with fine sandpaper or with sandpaper on a dremel tool. Normally they are not very tight out of the box. Maybe you can try to get it replaced.

I think you might have tightened the plastic ball end too far onto the shock shaft thread. This can close up the hole for the metal ball and make it bind. Try slackening off the plastic balljoint and see what happens.