best control arms....

[kenmataya]

who's got the best replacement control a-arms?

Thanks,
Ken

[tartan18]

Ditto ... same question. I am about to order a full set (upper and lower) myself. All of my to date research suggests that AR has the best (equal to or better than OEM). Comments ??

[RRoller123]

I put in the AR uppers and lowers on both sides, with the ball joints already installed. Completely trouble free.

[fiat218]

I put in the AR uppers and lowers on both sides, with the ball joints already installed. Completely trouble free.

I put vicks on.
I'm sure there all the same,except them tubular ones

[focodave]

I rebuilt my front suspension last year.
It seems that the control arms made by "Vema" are really good as far as fit and quality.
I got mine from IAP and they fit perfectly.
Ask your vendor(s) if they carry control arms made by Vema, if you want a control arm that fits like the originals.

[RRoller123]

I think Csaba said that there is only one manufacturer of these anyway? Is that still correct?

[tartan18]

Csaba ?

[RRoller123]

at Auto Ricambi. Maybe it was Ramzi. They are always here and can comment if they read this. I think I heard that there is only a single modern manufacturer of the arms, but my memory could be mistaken.

[tartan18]

Csaba and Ramzi have never steered me wrong (no intentional pun on control arms or steering linkages intended) All I know is that I think they get their control arms from Italy.

[focodave]

The Vema control arms are made in Italy.

[kenmataya]

did my driver's side yesterday, not as bad as i feared.
AR uppers, Vick lowers. got a loaner spring compressor from o'reilly, worked fine. compress the old spring before you take it all apart. when putting it back together don't put the clip on the lowest or second lowest coil, it makes it hard to pull out.
a couple of other things i ran into:
the inner bearing was stuck on the spindle, just had to yank the disk till the rear seal popped out, then stuck a chisel between the inner race and the spindle shoulder to pop it off ( never had that issue before )
the design for the brake bracket and dust shield is terrible! those clipped bolts just bend the brake shield lip over, and the bolt heads are so close to the edge you can't get a socket on them - get out the 15mm wrench to hold on to the clipped side. couldn't find m10x1.25 locknuts so had to use the goofy straps over (going to order a 25 pack, let me know if you need some). i'll get some and get back in there and fix it. and don't get me started on the spindle nuts - always keep some extras on hand.

[RRoller123]

Agree about those clipped bolt heads. I used a large pair of vice grips to hold them. Otherwise, you are correct, and they just plow right through the shield and spin!

[kenmataya]

going to look at cutting star washers when i get to the other side. my local hardware had the m10x1.25 lock nuts, but only 4!

[kenmataya]

it would seem they're vema from AR and Vick. just noticed this on the other lower arm



granted i did order these in 2009 and am just getting around to getting them installed ( i was scared of the springs! ) but the arms have been in my shed since then, so I'm a little disappointed in the cracked rubber, i'm sure they'll last a good bit yet.

hey, has anybody replaced the clipped bolts with socket head cap nuts? think i'll check that out.

[fiat218]

Buy new bushing