Replace 2-Piece Upper Control Arm w/ 1-Piece

[HELMUT RONER]

Has anyone replaced the 2pc upper arm with a 1pc? If you did, did you have to use a camber kit when you made the change? I have a kit for each side of mine for after I get my rebuilt lower control arms installed (in other words, not yet installed). I bought them as a precaution. Months ago I replaced just the ball joint portion of the right upper control arm, but the overall alignment up front is messed up.

The rebuilt lower control arms have new polyurethane bushings and Duralast ball joints installed. I'll be doing the work myself except for the alignment. I've never used a camber kit on any vehicle before and I'm not finding detailed info on their installation. The ones I bought are from NAPA 264-2953

I'm confused about how there's any adjustability with the 2pc upper control arm when trying to do an alignment.

 

[intelisevil]

I think this should help you out:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194453

Have Fun!

 

[sr139fox]

I replaced my 2 piece upper with a 1 piece. I used the Moog caster/chamber hardware. It gives you more adjustment range. Took it to my local front end shop. They aligned the front with no issues. I would recommend to take it to a shop for the front end alignment. Dave P

 

[HELMUT RONER]

Did the change to the 1pc, finally. Installed the NAPA camber kits on both sides, too. These kits needed some chasing as the self locking nuts were very hard to turn on the camber bolts.

This Zerk fitting which was included with this new arm would not thread correctly. Once I was able to start the thread it wouldn't go in all the way. The fitting is canted. I left it this way. If I tighten it anymore the fitting will break and/or strip the threads.

 

[ts9409]

I did the same to my 99 a couple of years ago, i never understood why ford used a 2 piece control arm on side but not the other. The camber bolts were a pita to change out as the fuel lines are in the way there is a write up on the forum with details on how to change them. I also had trouble with the grease fitting on my moog arms but i did thread them all the way down as the grease came out when they were not threaded all the way. Just back them off a little and tighten them repeat till they are threaded all the way down. I did take mine to a shop for the alignment and it took them a while to align but it was not perfect it was close but i had a lift with big tires and most shops I have used always have a hard time with lifted trucks getting them to align. I have since done my own alignments with a angle finder, tape measure and level. There is probably a write up for it on the forum as well.