Upper control arm questions..

[KJB]

The upper ball joints on my `96 Explorer are shot and I know that you need to replace the entire upper control arms but I'm confused about the passenger side arm. The stock arm is two piece with adjustment bolts for alignment but I've heard that the replacement arm is one piece. How is alignment possible with the replacement arm? I'll probably be going to Autozone or Advance Auto for the replacement arms and they carry Duralast and TRW respectively. Who here has done this job and what can you tell me about it?

 

[JDraper]

I did that replacement on my '01 Explorer and the non-adjustable arm works fine. With it in, the alignment is done the same way as the driver's side utilizing the cams.

 

[HardTech]

Yes ive replaced both, a total of 3 peices. 2 for the driver site + ball joins and the other was a 1 peice with joints. I can try to take a pic.

 

[KJB]

HardTech, if you could get a few pictures that would be great. Didn't you mean 2 pieces for the passenger side and 1 piece for the drivers side?

 

[gijoecam]

Personally I'd prefer the 2-piece.... I suspect that at the factory they simply set the passenger side to match the driver's side and leave it be. (assuming, of course, that since the frame is built on a jig, the suspension goes on the way it should)

The one-piece will be fine.... just need to pay a bit more labor for the alignment.

-Joe

 

[KJB]

Well I changed them tonight. It took about two hours and I took my time. The hardest part was getting the drivers side pivot bolts out. There are fuel and brake lines in the way so carefully get them out of the way before you try to force the bolts out. After removing the pinch bolt the actual ball joint came out of the knuckle with just a few taps with a hammer. I got the replacement arms from Advance Auto and they were TRW and they matched the stock arms which are also TRW. I'm taking it in tomorrow to get it aligned. The entire job was a piece of cake!