Replace just lower ball joint or whole lower control arm?

[Harley McIntyre]

Just what the title says. im gonna be doing a whole brake and front suspension job soon, so im just wondering which would be the better idea? my ex has almost 200k and im almost positive the lower control arm is original, including the bushings. planning on going mevotech everything with polyurethane ball joints and bushings.

 

[thebrakeman]

I have a much fewer miles than you, but same amount of time in winter climate. I just had my lower ball joints replaced, and my mechanic said that they came out fairly easily, and he said nothing about the arm itself needing replacement. He has checked and recommended replacement of the arms on other vehicles, so if they were bad, he would have told me. Since the bushings can be pressed out while the arm is still attached, replacing the entire arm is more for parts, and more for labor. I would just replace what needs to be replaced, unless the arm itself is rusting out, or multiple bits need to be replaced.

 

[Arne52101]

I have a much fewer miles than you, but same amount of time in winter climate. I just had my lower ball joints replaced, and my mechanic said that they came out fairly easily, and he said nothing about the arm itself needing replacement. He has checked and recommended replacement of the arms on other vehicles, so if they were bad, he would have told me. Since the bushings can be pressed out while the arm is still attached, replacing the entire arm is more for parts, and more for labor. I would just replace what needs to be replaced, unless the arm itself is rusting out, or multiple bits need to be replaced.

 

[Arne52101]

06 Explorer EB 4.0, 191,000. miles.I also need new ball joints, I will be replacing
the upper and lower control arms on mine from rock auto, That way I will get new ball joints and bushing, Just not sure if I should oem or not.

 

[ExplorerDuece]

Arne,
I prefer OEM but have also gotten Dorman and Moog with no problem. The designs are different though.

 

[Paul Fithian]

I have a NIB pair of these that I ended up with and will not use, free for pickup from NW Indiana. Fits 2006-2010 Explorer / 2007-2010 Sport Trac.

 

[Arne52101]

I have a NIB pair of these that I ended up with and will not use, free for pickup from NW Indiana. Fits 2006-2010 Explorer / 2007-2010 Sport Trac.

Do you still have them? Who is the MFG.

 

[Paul Fithian]

Yes. From this: Steering & Suspension Kit Front LH RH Set of 10 for Explorer Sport Trac New | eBay

They sent me an extra set of lower control arms that I don't need. The new ones from them that I did install are great, front suspension is now solid and quiet.