Upper Control Arms

[edcon1983]

Hi guys,

New here. Just bought a 2001 Sport 4wd. The truck is in need of upper control arms/ball joints. Through my research, I have discovered that there are two options for the arms. 1 piece or 2 piece. The issue I am having is that my drivers side arm is a 1 piece and the passenger side is the 2 piece. This is confusing to me. I've been looking at other Sports in the junkyard, and I haven't seen any others that have 2 different styles. My question is; Is this normal? Is it possible that one side was converted for some reason? Any help with this is appreciated as I am driving the Explorer to South Dakota from Pennsylvania in less than 2 weeks, and I want to take care of this. Thank you in advance.

 

[swshawaii]

Upper control arm.... 1pc or 2?
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=273558

Ford Truck Upper Control Arm Replacement
http://www.moogproblemsolver.com/_pdf_en2/DYK10_106_En.pdf

How To: Upper Control Arm / Ball Joint Replacement (Lots of Pictures)
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194453

 

[Mike65]

IIRC they came from the factory with the 2 piece on 1 side for alignment purposes. When I replaced the upper arms on my Ranger I used the 1 piece & installed adjustable upper control arm bolts. https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=504145&cc=1362798&jnid=515&jpid=10

 

[edcon1983]

Thanks guys! That info was very helpful. I ordered a pair of one piece control arms. Hopefully my olds ones come off relatively easy.

 

[ccm2001]

Just did both of mine , stuck with the 1 piece and 2 piece, hardest part was getting that camber bolt out, took me 1 hr for the first side, my tip if the bolts are rusted seized , use a air hammer and hit the alignment washer to break the seal and rotate that bolt.

Will work better and just push thos lines to the far left without breaking them.

I paid 40$ a Side from Amazon for MOOG

Car hits bumps like a dream now

GL!

 

[pcam13]

I like the 2 piece on the PS side. Takes about 7 minutes for a ball joint change. 2 18mm bolts the cross bolt and it falls out...No playing around with the upper bolts... Drivers side is a nightmare. Also, don't try to move the brake line to slide the bolt out on drivers side. If it's ugly it will leak.

 

[amberanger]

1pc upper A arm

I like the ideal of new bushing on the 1pc A Arm.