3rd gen control arms on 2nd gen

[moparguy]

I'm starting a new thread to make info on this 2nd gen upgrade easier to find when using the search function.



Cummins Thunder mentioned on another thread that the subject upgrade was a good upgrade for the 2nd gen trucks. Since my 95 at 180k is in need of control arm bushings, I'm very interested.



So, if anyone can provide info (direct replacement ?, cost, part numbers, best year for 3rd gen arms, ect. ) that'd be great. And if anyone has upgraded their 3rd gen arms and want's to get rid of the stockers, I'm interested.



Thanks, RR

 

[kparker]

The 3rd gen lower control arms will bolt right up to a later model 2nd gen truck. Probably 97 or 98 and up. Earlier models used smaller bolts. You would need to have custom sleeves turned down, to adapt them.



The 3rd gen upper control arms are approximately 5/8" shorter than the 2nd gen versions. Not an adviseable swap.



The third gen arms are substantially stronger, but aside from that, nothing much is gained from the swap. I would recommend replacement arms that allow the arms to articulate freely. I have the KORE Chase steel replacement arms. They work very well. There might be something else similar out there, but I am not sure. Stay away from arms that just have stiff urethane bushings at either end though, stock ones will perform better.

 

[CumminsPower98]

The 3rd gen lower control arms will bolt right up to a later model 2nd gen truck. Probably 97 or 98 and up. Earlier models used smaller bolts. You would need to have custom sleeves turned down, to adapt them.



The 3rd gen upper control arms are approximately 5/8" shorter than the 2nd gen versions. Not an adviseable swap.



The third gen arms are substantially stronger, but aside from that, nothing much is gained from the swap. I would recommend replacement arms that allow the arms to articulate freely. I have the KORE Chase steel replacement arms. They work very well. There might be something else similar out there, but I am not sure. Stay away from arms that just have stiff urethane bushings at either end though, stock ones will perform better.

That's interesting. Someone posted in one of my threads on control arms and said 3rd gen arms were a direct bolt on replacement but stronger with better bushings. I have no clue myself as I have not checked it out.



Near the bottom of this page is what I did for arms and so far they are working great.

 

[Cummins Thunder]

I don't know about the early 2nd gens but... The upper and lower are the same length on my 02. The 3rd gen arms are from an 04 gone KORE.



The reason I like them is because of the bushings. The 3rd gen arms use a one piece rubber bushing. My 2nd gen arms had bushings made of about four different pieces They banged and rattled to high hell



CJ

 

[CumminsPower98]

The upper and lower are not the same length on mine. I was not aware that there was a difference in the newer ones.

 

[Cummins Thunder]

The upper and lower are not the same length on mine. I was not aware that there was a difference in the newer ones.

I meant that my upper 2nd gen arms are the same length as the 3rd gen upper arms. And that my lower 2nd gen arms are the same as 3rd gen lower arms.



CJ