Control Arm Bent, need recommendations

[brillmtb]

Just noticed that my Left Lower control arm looks like it was smashed on a rock although hell if I recall doing this. I need to replace. Should I do just one, any downside. I noticed some OEM replacements that are now round, mine is not. Any recommendations on brand, where to buy. Thanks.

2003 2500 Diesel 4wd

 

[Ozymandias]

Yes the new OEM are round and more rigid then the old style.
I would go with the OEM, even the Old One lasted nearly ten Years, I think an Aftermarket won't last so long.

 

[cerberusiam]

Go with an aftermarket with good replaceable bushings. Heavier and better than the OE. Adjustable features are also nice to have if you have to replace.

 

[Bob4x4]

If the trucks suspension is stock you can stick with the oem. I run a Carli chromoly version with some very beefy pivots-more than most NEED but if you want to step up they are a very good upgrade

 

[Prairie Dog]

If your truck doesn't see any substantial off roading then I would stick with a stock replacement.

 

[brillmtb]

thanks everyone. Some off road to go flyfishing, 5th wheel pulling but no serious off road. I will look for the OEM round ones. Should I replace both lowers at the same time

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Check the bushings on all the other arms, replace what you need, and then get the front end aligned.

 

[seafish]

ANybody have part#'s for the updated oem control arms that will fit a 3rd gen??

 

[cerberusiam]

thanks everyone. Some off road to go flyfishing, 5th wheel pulling but no serious off road. I will look for the OEM round ones. Should I replace both lowers at the same time

You bent one already so your favortie fishing spot may be a litte harder to get to than the normal ones.

At the age yours are at probably time for bushings anyway. Replaceing the rubber ones with poly makes a good bit of difference in steering feel if the OE rubber ones are getting soft.

The price here http://rukse.com/featured/dodge-ram-control-arms.html is simply to hard to beat if you are looking for replacements. The price on the non-adjustables is less than OE and whole lot stronger.

 

[Prairie Dog]

OTOH if they're cheaper and better then why not!

 

[seafish]

Those Rukse look pretty dam nice especially for the price.

 

[Ozymandias]

I don't like the polybushings, they wear out fast and make squeaky noises.

Tried it twice and never again, nothing beats the OEM Rubberbushings in durability, ride quality and long lasting.

If you don't have a good source for OEM Parts then check out stevewhiteparts.com, he sells everything -30% under.
He doesn't have all the parts on the website, just ask what you need with the VIN.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DODGE-RAM-1...Parts_Accessories&hash=item4d10de503e&vxp=mtr

 

[cerberusiam]

Poly well exceeds rubber in every area except vibration dampening. Much more tolerant to weathering and wear in heavy deflection usage. The lack of deflection also makes for a better steering feel in these heavy trucks.

So far, the clunking and squeaking associated with worn rubber bushings has disappeared on my truck. Steeering feel is several degrees better now the deflection is lower. Have not noticed any increase in vibrations. It is a diesel 4x4 so there is always something there.

Time will tell on the squeaking associated with the poly bushings. A lot of the newer black bushings have graphite embdded in them to address that issue. If not, a couple periodic squirts with Armor All or rubber lube will usually cure noise.

 

[Bob4x4]

There is no mention of wall thickness.That makes it a bit hard to judge their strength.I don't really care for the threaded stud on the adjustable version being welded to the tube at the bushing either.

 

[Bob4x4]

cerberusiam,do you have the mentioned arms or just poly bushings?

 

[cerberusiam]

cerberusiam,do you have the mentioned arms or just poly bushings?

I just got done adding the Synergy bushings to the stock control arms. Chasing some body roll and steering vagueness. I am satisfied the bushings solved that.

For the price both styles cannot be beat. I talked to them extensively about builidng an adjustable one that would adjust without removal. IIRC, about $50 per arm to do that. Based on talking to several people that have them and use the trucks harder than I do I would have gone ahead and bought them, except started buying pieces to do a swing arm with the planned suspension system. My son convinced me he can build the swing arm and make it better than adjustable control arms. Piqued my interest. LOL!

One would have to call them to get the specifcs on wall thickness and whether they can do heavier. They can but not for the listed price. Based on what I found out their standard build is pretty heavy. If I was replacing stock I would buy these over OE.

 

[Bob4x4]

By swing arm are you talking radius arm?

 

[cerberusiam]

By swing arm are you talking radius arm?

Yes. Mind said one thing, fingers heard another. :-laf

 

[Bob4x4]

Yes. Mind said one thing, fingers heard another. :-laf

You will lose some articulation going with a radius arm set up but it will be smoother overall