reproduction control arms

[Vince]

Anyone using or seen the reproduction stock-style upper & lower control arms? These come with ball joints, bushings, and the cross-shaft for the upper arm. My front end needs a complete overhaul, so I'm debating whether to use the reproduction arms, or clean-up my old arms and add new Moog ball joints and polyurethane bushings. My concern is the quality & fit of the reproduction parts.

 

[COBRAIIW]

On a similiar note, not to steal the thread because it's a related area, has anyone replaced the inner tie rods? looks like a special tool is needed.

 

[THE78II]

inner tie rod end

I have not replaced any of my ball joints (have them on hand, though), but I did inner tie rod end on my '78, back in 1992. All you do is drive out the roll pin, unscrew (can't recall what tool I used, but it was a standard hand tool, maybe adjustable wrench), the new one came with a set screw, which has held up fine so far (30k miles and 14 years later). It was surprisingly easy to do, and made a big difference, the car was much nicer to drive with the tight tie rod end.
The important part is to be sure your set screw is tight. Bought my part from Napa, I think.

 

[mustangmods]

Vince I got my upper and lower arms from speedway motors. I think they ran me about $250, but it was way worth it. They come powder coated with ball joints and poly bushings installed and are ready to bolt up out of the box. Saved me alot of time on my II and they look great.

 

[mustangmods]

Vince I got my upper and lower arms from speedway motors. I think they ran me about $250, but it was way worth it. They come powder coated with ball joints and poly bushings installed and are ready to bolt up out of the box. Saved me alot of time on my II and they look great.

 

[COBRAIIW]

ROLL PIN ?
No wonder it wouldn't budge.
I swear that after I sprayed cleaner in that hole I couldn't see one.
Gotta get a better light and glasses.

 

[THE78II]

roll pin

That roll pin doesn't go all the way through (I think), you just drive it in. That's why they give you a set screw with the new one. Been a long time, so I can't remember exactly.

 

[Vince]

Vince I got my upper and lower arms from speedway motors. I think they ran me about $250, but it was way worth it. They come powder coated with ball joints and poly bushings installed and are ready to bolt up out of the box. Saved me alot of time on my II and they look great.

I think I will go the same route. I'm not sure how common it is, but apparently the lower control arms can develop cracks around the ball joint area. So using new arms is a good idea. Do you remember seeing any markings or part numbers on the ball joint? I'm curious which manufacturer is used.

And you other guys, get your own thread!

 

[THE COBRAMAN]

I'm not sure how common it is, but apparently the lower control arms can develop cracks around the ball joint area.

Very common. That's why Ford never serviced the lower ball joint seperately on Falcons, Mustangs, or IIs. They felt that the entire assembly should be replaced.

Local rod shop gets something like 70-80 bux each on the OE style arms

 

[Vince]

Thanks, that settles it. I'll get new arms.

 

[a351Must2]

I've been using Fatman upper control arms with the flush style upper ball joint, mostly for wheel clearance. Haven't tried lower control arms though. The fit is perfect ... just watch out for some that are sold narrower than stock for specific hot rod applications.