Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: Lower control arm replacement

  1. #1
    Hybrid booster
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Grants Pass, OR
    Posts
    333

    Lower control arm replacement

    Hey guys,

    Car: 1989 Lancer Shelby

    During the process of replacing all my suspension linkage, I just had new MOOG ball joints pressed into my lower control arms. HOWEVER, the passenger side does not fit the ball joint securely anymore. I can rotate it and wiggle it by hand. Bad news.

    I need to replace the control arm, but the only aftermarket option I've found is made by Doorman. Research showed that the Doorman replacements aren't amazing quality.

    Does anyone know of a high quality replacement available?

    I'll be calling my local junk yards on Wednesday, which is the earliest I will be able to do so during their business hours. I was hoping to find a new part, though, rather than pull a junk yard part that could also be worn/damaged.

    Any help is appreciated! This is my daily driver, man-down situation! ha.

    Thank you,

    Zach

  2. #2
    Rhymes with tortoise. Turbo Mopar Staff cordes's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Tuscola, IL
    Posts
    21,441

    Re: Lower control arm replacement

    I'm unaware of anyone making a control arm for our cars.

  3. #3
    Super Moderator Turbo Mopar Staff 135sohc's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    SoMd
    Posts
    6,178

    Re: Lower control arm replacement

    A WTB listing would probably get you something. There are more than a few TM'ers out there. Also make sure the old ball joint if its got a spot of weld or brazing is cut before attempting to press the old part out. More than a few people here I'm sure have trashed or had their stuff trashed by some unknowing shop cranking down on the press until it gave way and blew out the hole in the arm in the process.

    Quote Originally Posted by cordes View Post
    I'm unaware of anyone making a control arm for our cars.
    Surprise to me also but Dorman does show all three flavors of control arms for our cars. I would have more trust in a used OEM arm over dorman china crap though.
    1994 Shadow Sedan. 2.2 N/A, A568 400,000 miles. "the science experiment"
    1987 Shelby CSX #418. Long term rebuild and restore ?

  4. #4
    Hybrid booster
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Winnipeg, MB, Canada
    Posts
    612

    Re: Lower control arm replacement

    I've sold several different Dorman control arm assemblies and didn't find the quality to be bad, but I guess your mileage may vary. Shucks that Moog and Mevotech don't offer a replacement for the dual pivot arms.

  5. #5
    turbo addict
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Mesa, AZ
    Posts
    7,351

    Re: Lower control arm replacement

    Quote Originally Posted by Mudman View Post
    I just had new MOOG ball joints pressed into my lower control arms. HOWEVER, the passenger side does not fit the ball joint securely anymore. I can rotate it and wiggle it by hand. Bad news.

    Tack weld the ball joints onto the control arm instead of relying on the C-clips.

  6. #6
    Hybrid booster
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Grants Pass, OR
    Posts
    333

    Re: Lower control arm replacement

    The shop said that the ball joint didn't press in with as much resistance as it should have. I also had a *clunk* in the front right suspension as long as I can remember having the car. I can really wiggle the thing around in there. Additionally, I don't have access, nor the training to welding. That's one thing I never had the resources to learn. I'm not sure a weld is the best option with how much slop there is. Or is this something common?

  7. #7
    turbo addict
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Mesa, AZ
    Posts
    7,351

    Re: Lower control arm replacement

    Find a shop can weld? All it takes are phone calls.

    All k-car/lbody/minivan factory ball joint and tacked welded on. All aftermarket ball joint come with c-clip. First time I ever press a ball joint in, the ball joint came loose in no time. Had the ball joint welded in, no problem since. Choice is yours.

  8. #8
    Hybrid booster
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Grants Pass, OR
    Posts
    333

    Re: Lower control arm replacement

    How much play would you be comfortable with tacking? This thing wobbles a good 1/8", it's pretty sloppy.

    - - - Updated - - -

    I am also installing polybushings and the rear bushings have a little play in their pivot, which was odd, all the others fit in snug. I just don't like the feel of that control arm, it seems well worn.

  9. #9
    Rhymes with tortoise. Turbo Mopar Staff cordes's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Tuscola, IL
    Posts
    21,441

    Re: Lower control arm replacement

    IIRC if you can grab the grease fitting and feel any movement it's time for a change. I'd suggest a good used control arm.

Similar Threads

  1. Suspension looking for a lower control arm
    By Hondaeg6 in forum Parts Wanted
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 04-16-2010, 12:18 PM
  2. Suspension 89/90 lower control arm
    By TurboII in forum Parts Wanted
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 05-19-2009, 10:49 AM
  3. Suspension I need a lower control arm bolt for my GLH
    By ajakeski in forum Parts Wanted
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 01-27-2009, 08:18 AM
  4. Lower control arms
    By Nemesismachine in forum "I need help!"
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 05-29-2008, 11:15 PM
  5. Lower Control Arm Removal
    By snattsas in forum Suspension, Brakes, Wheels, Traction
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 08-19-2006, 01:07 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •