2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Aftermarket lower control arms....

[brewer]

Can anyone suggest a good, heavy duty, built for abuse, aftermarket lower control arm? The dealer wants $125. 00 each. I figure for that kind of money I can get something better. Any suggestions?

 

[MarshallB]

i think i paid 240$ for all 4 of my skyjacker arms.

 

[Joe Mc]

Here's what I did.

For $255 including shipping you can get these. Custom Length Control Arms 94-02 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4



The top ones are a PIA to get out. The kit has no instructions and do yourself a favor - purchase some Marine grade grease and lub the heck out of everything before you install. Also, I knocked out the pos push-in zerk fittings that came with them, drilled and taped the holes to accept 45 degree zerks so you can actually grease the upper arm bushings after they're installed. take the bushings out before you drill and tap of course. Another tip, one side at a time - both upper and lower, then before you torque the bolts grease them till the green stuff (Marine grease) oozes out from everywhere, then torque. I must emphasize "torque" as upon install I didn't and they came loose within a few days If you don't have a manual PM me and I'll shoot the torque specs to you. Good luck.

 

[Hammer]

Here ya go. .

I used the Solid Steel Lower Control Arms on my 1998. I really like them and they have been on now for a year. They are a great product..... Andy





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[CRohwedder]

BDS suspension sells a nice set also, i put them on my pulling truck.

 

[kparker]

I always try to discourage people from getting control arms with urethane bushings in them. The control arms travel side to side as the suspension moves up and down. Stiff urethane bushings ride very harsh when they are forced to deflect. The majority of the aftermarket control arms being sold, ride much worse than the factory ones. Rubber bushings really help isolate the vehicle from road induced noise and vibration.



As for installation instructions. Do your arms one at a time, and...



-Start by loosening all of the control arm bolts. Do the passenger side upper first. Everything is easy after that one. The best way is to cut the bolt off if you have room. Unfortunately the exhaust goes right by the bolt. If you can cut it loose and replace it without removing your downpipe, you are laughing. New bolts from Dodge are about 5 bucks. If you have to remove downpipe anyway, do not destroy bolt. Leave the bolts loose after installing new arms.

-Next do the drivers side upper. Simple compared to the passenger side. If you have a problem lining the holes up, loosen the lowers and rotate the lower eccentrics until the holes line up.

-Follow with either of the lowers. Use the passenger side eccentric to line up the driver side arm, and the opposite is also true. If you still need help lining the last holes up, you can jack the axle up on the side you are working one.

-It usually helps to install the arms in the frame mount before the axle mount, but this is a preference.

-Put the tires back on and set the truck back on the ground. Now tighten all of the bolts. (Set eccentrics back to original location).



This should help with doing control arms.



KP