2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 4X4 Control Arms, 2nd and 3rd Gen compatability?

[Batphreak]

Did a little searching of the forum and didn't turn up anything specific on this.



The bushings in my control arms are shot. I'd like to replace them with poly bushings. I'm sure I can manage to get the job done, however I'm a bit of a chicken when it comes to risk of serious downtime on my truck. So, I'd like to find some stock control arms that I can replace bushings, then just swap out the whole arms on my truck. I have heard a rumor that 3rd Gen control arms may fit just fine in these 2nd Gen trucks, but I don't have any confirmation 1 way or the other. Only reason I ask about the newer arms is because if they fit on these older trucks it makes my chances of finding a deal quite a bit bigger since I can consider 2nd and 3rd gen parts. Anyone have info on that part compatability? I believe another plus may be the design of the 3rd gen arms looks a bit beefier than the 2nd gen ones.



Thanks!

 

[Tinman]

Good question. I'd like to know myself. If no one here knows, you could call Carli, I'm sure they'd know.

 

[Joe Mc]

Guys, the stock arms are junk = pressed metal. The replacement bushings will cost more than these 94-02 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 Custom Length Control Arms @Top Gun Customz I installed these about 3 years back and helped a buddy of mine do his about a year ago.

A few tips if you go this route:
1-the cam bolts (lower arm to diff) can seize in the old arm bushings and require cutting to get arms out. Mine didn't my buddy's did - go figure mine is a 99 from NY his is an 01 from TX??? So see if you can source the cam bolts and nuts first then see if you can get yours freed up = nuts off and bolts moving out of the bushing sleeve, if you can't then you know you'll need them.
2-get angled zerk fittings and remove the ones that come with the arms (straight) you wont be able to access the top arm zerks if you use the straight ones.
3-remove the garbage paint on the arms and have them coated - I've painted mine 4 times (rattle can on the truck) and it only lasts 6 months or so.

Bottom line they are tubular, service-able poly bushings, and cost less than factory junk. Why replace junk with junk. Do some price shopping for the stock arms, then just the bushings - you'll see what I mean.

As far as the Carli's - they're excellent pieces "be prepared to pay".

 

[Batphreak]

Well, my stock arms have been in place for over 240000 miles and I don't have any issues with the arms themselves (not bent or anything). The rubber bushings are just starting to sag a bit from all those years and miles. I can get a whole set of Polyurethane bushings from Summit for under $100, so that's less than 1/2 the price of those nice tubular arms. Those look like a real nice product for sure, but it looks a bit over-kill for what I really need.

I'd prefer to get an extra set of OE arms and put the poly bushings in, just don't know if I have to get 2nd Gen specific or if I can look at the 3rd gen stuff too. Thanks a lot for the recommendation, though, if I decide I really need to upgrade I'll probably go with those.

 

[Joe Mc]

Batphreak, I understand. I guess at the time I did the tubular arms I didn't consider after-market bushings. And, since my truck was in a r/front wreck and repaired before I got it I wanted to eliminate any possibility for future issues - the top r/hand stock arm was a bit tweaked.

 

[SierraRam]

I have a stock set off of my 07. If you take some measurements I can check them compared to mine.

 

[Bob4x4]

Not all year 2nd gens interchange with each other and the 3rd gens are different again. IRRC there are bolt diameter changes in the 2nd gen years.

 

[Batphreak]

I have a stock set off of my 07. If you take some measurements I can check them compared to mine.

Sorry it took me a while, but I finally poked my head under the truck to measure the control arms. I measured just the driver's side, and this was with the arms installed and a tape measure, so +/- 1/16" wouldn't surprise me on my accuracy.



Lower Arm:

Length - 18 1/4" Bolts - 1/2"



Upper Arm:

Length - 17 3/4" Bolts - 7/16"



Thanks!

 

[Bob4x4]

Recheck your bolt measurements... ... ... I am pretty sure all years have been Metric

 

[Batphreak]

Quite possible. I was just measuring the thread OD with a tape measure. I wouldn't be surprised if the lower bolts were 13 or 14mm and the upper bolts were 11 or 12mm. Didn't have a thread gauge handy in the garage. I figured these numbers would at least be close enough for a comparison, though.