1997 Explorer Upper Control Arms

[97Eplxorer]

I purchased a pair of upper control arms for my 2wd Explorer from a local "auto zone". When they arrived they both had "L" marked on them (these are the 1 piece control arms). I asked the guy behind the counter and he claimed they are interchangeable..left will fit on the right.
I matched them up with the old ones (looked exactly the same) and installed them and then drove it up to the alignment shop. It seemed fine, but after I got it back from the alignment shop, it had a hard pull to the right.
I was told I need these camber alignment shims, so I bought some from Moog and put them on. I've taken this car to 3 different alignment shops and not one of them can align it because of this camber problem....even though the camber alignment shims are there.
Is it possible the auto parts store sold me 2 left upper control arms and they are NOT interchangeable as they claim?

 

[masospaghetti]

The left and right are different part numbers, so I don't think they are interchangable. Left is a Dorman 520221, right is Dorman 520222. Even their Duralast line has different part numbers for both arms.

Also, Autozone is charging almost 4x (!!!) as much as Rockauto for the Dorman Upper Left CA - I can't believe they are still in business.

 

[97Eplxorer]

Yeah, I think I need to go back to the parts store and have them show me again how they're different parts. I should have know when the right arm had an L stamped into it.

 

[Petek]

They look very close, but they are different. napa accidently gave me a Right side upper instead of a left. it fit, but did not look right. exchanged it for the proper part.

 

[swshawaii]

I asked the guy behind the counter and he claimed they are interchangeable..left will fit on the right.
Is it possible the auto parts store sold me 2 left upper control arms and they are NOT interchangeable as they claim?

Had to be a reason they are marked L and R. Good help is hard to find.