Where to buy lower control arms from??

[Steeda90GT]

It looks like the labor is much cheaper to install new arms, then it is for balljoints so I'm just going to with new arms since they come fully loaded with bushings and balljoints. Any recommendations?

I see a bunch on Rock Auto, some as low as $72.

 

[gijoecam]

Why would the labor be less to install new arms than just the lower ball joint? The lower BJ is one castle nut, one snap ring, press the old one out, press the new one in, reinstall the snap ring, and reinstall the knuckle with the castle nut and cotter pin.

To do the whole arm, you still have to remove the castle nut and cotter pin, but then you must relieve the tension from the torsion bars (not easy) then separate the torsion bars from the lower control arms (not an easy task) and finally, remove the lower control arm bolts (which aren't going to come out nicely, if they come out at all)....

IMHO, replacing the whole arm is way more work than it's worth. I've got 175,000 miles on mine, and they're on the third (maybe fourth?? Can't recall) set of lower ball joints. Yeah, the bushings look like crap, but they aren't loose or making any noise, so as far as I'm concerned, they're fine.

 

[awhughes]

I'm coming up on 200,000 miles on my 97 and still havent replaced anything in the front end, except for the outer tie rods. Dont know if its worth bothering with now. Everything is still tight, some squeks depending on the outside temperature.

 

[ThePhoenix]

when you place lower arms, dont you need to remove torsion bars? That seems like a hassle if you are going on work involved

I am not sure your 97 has them tho

 

[Steeda90GT]

So does anyone have any actual input on where to the arms from/which type to buy?

They're charging me $200 to install new arms vs $330 to do balljoints. (labor only)

 

[ThePhoenix]

i thought you were doing it yourself

heck $200 aint bad

 

[Steeda90GT]

Nope, don't have the time, space, or tools to do it myself right now.

 

[TheJackal]

when you place lower arms, dont you need to remove torsion bars? That seems like a hassle if you are going on work involved

I am not sure your 97 has them tho

Yes the torsion bars have to be removed when replacing the LCA.

According to the service manual, you have to use a special tool to relieve the tension. Then, you are supposed to use a new adjustment bolt when reassembling.

 

[Turdle]

I can get the torsion bars out in 5 minutes with a bottle jack. Lower arms are a breeze to change--way faster than just a ball joint, believe me.

got mine at orielly's for 100 each. They list quite a bit higher, but if you have an account you will get a way better price.

 

[Steeda90GT]

Yeah I used to do lower control arms on Mustangs all the time and they were cake. I just dont have the room to do it on the X here.

 

[ThePhoenix]

someone covered removal of the torsion bars...its fear of the unknown...not sure about the wheel puller but seems much easier and you get the bushings

kinda pricey tho

 

[Steeda90GT]

Confused about RockAuto

I see they have several arms for sale for a 99 Explorer V6. Aren't they all the same?