Control arms - rebuild or replace

[rjkoop]

Took my entire front suspension apart. Replacing most of the steering components (tie rod ends, steering links, shock absorbers, etc...). Should I replace the control arms or just buy new ball joints and bushings? I read somewhere that the new ones aren't as good as the originals if the originals are in good shape.

[RRoller123]

I can tell you that the consensus around here seems to be that it makes a lot of sense to buy complete new arms, top and bottom, with the ball joints already installed, unless you enjoy torturing yourself. They are not expensive relative to the pita to change the ball joints alone. This is sure to cause an argument or at least a conversation, but after seeing what people have gone through, and having done it myself with the pre-assembled ball joints, I wouldn't personally do it any other way.

[81SPIDERMATT]

and for the other side of the coin ..... I rebuilt mine because I had heard stories of the originals being stronger and some fitting issues ..... I agree that it would have been much easier to have arms with everything already installed on them but that is not the route I took .... would not call it torture ... not sure of the price difference in the end ... but sweat is free as far my wallet can tell

[RRoller123]

At $59 bucks for the top http://www.cbpp.org/cms/?fa=view&id=1258 and $78 for the bottom, http://www.autoricambi.us/product/SU3-4 ... -Bushings/ with ball joints, bushings and bolts installed, no way for me. But hey, to each his own! Labor of love, and originality counts!

[garion]

If you are interested, i have a set of 'rebuildable' control arms, where the ball joints have been replaced at one point in time (bolts/nuts instead of rivets)... I'll be posting them in for sale area shortly here.

[vandor]

If you choose to rebuild, be sure to check for cracks where the ball joints mount, it is not unusual to find some.
The new lower a-arms are made of the same thickness steel as the originals. The upper ones are somewhat thinner, but then they don't carry the car's weight.
also the upper ones are a lot easier to rebuild. The most difficult task is replacing the bushings in the lower arms. Even with a press they can be a PITA if they've been in there for 30+ years.

[wizard124]

I rebuilt mine. Did all except lower bushings ($60 at machine shop). Fitment is for sure.
Consider cost of shipping for big bulky arms also.

[rjkoop]

Thanks for the info. Going to order from autoricambi. It's the way to go for sure.

[azruss]

I rebuilt my front suspension using A-arms from AR. They were not lighter than OEM. I had no fit issues at all. I have done it both ways, and replacing the A-arm is far simpler. I like the idea I have new metal up there instead of 35 year old arms that have been hammer for a couple of hundred thousand miles.

[KandJinmaine]

Hello, new to the site, but have been a Fiat fan for years...looking to redo the front suspension on our 1980FI. We have had the lowering springs in for about 10 years or so and we had done the a arms at the same time, and had one of the ball joints break while driving(slowly, thank God), so we have done it twice...now the bushings are looking ugly and want to replace it all and start fresh. Has anyone used the fabricated a arms from Vick AutoSports? I'm thinking we want to go with urethane bushings and these are pre-installed on the arms from VAS, I think they call them Prima -3?
Thanks for any info on these or the topic in general.
Jeff

[4uall]

must resist urge to not say anything

[RRoller123]

I used the pre-assembled control arms from Auto Ricambi US with no problems at all.

[KandJinmaine]

must resist urge to not say anything

Why?

[4uall]

urge resisted pm sent

[KandJinmaine]

urge resisted pm sent

Thanks Jay