school me on control arms
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Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2012
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From: NC
school me on control arms
I've been looking at replacing the lower front control arms. When I look them up in different parts catalogs they show 2 distinct parts. One is a very standard looking control arm with a ball joint and cost about $200. The other part is more involved also with a ball joint and cost $400- $800. Do I need both?
The silver one that looks like a wishbone is the upper. The beefier black one is the lower. It has a ball joint and sleeve that will wear over time/abuse. With both you can replace the bushings, the thick rubber donuts at their contact points with your axle.
There are also fully adjustable aftermarket versions of both that go for mega bucks
Why do you think you need to replace them?
There are also fully adjustable aftermarket versions of both that go for mega bucks
Why do you think you need to replace them?
This is a veryyyy reviewed topic. Anything you can think of is searchable about control arms.
That being said. You have a couple options. Usually people replace both sides at the same time but that's up to you and your wallet. If its the lower control arms, you'll want to replace them both since they are GOING to go out on ya with time regardless. You can get a pair of Lexus arms for 6-700 OR get Supra lower control arms for half that. They are interchangeable but the Supra arms are a bit stiffer since the bushings are filled instead of porous. Depending on who you ask, you wont be able to tell..
Upper control arms are totally different and hardly ever go out. They are much cheaper and will be fine getting Lexus parts.
What questions do you have?
That being said. You have a couple options. Usually people replace both sides at the same time but that's up to you and your wallet. If its the lower control arms, you'll want to replace them both since they are GOING to go out on ya with time regardless. You can get a pair of Lexus arms for 6-700 OR get Supra lower control arms for half that. They are interchangeable but the Supra arms are a bit stiffer since the bushings are filled instead of porous. Depending on who you ask, you wont be able to tell..
Upper control arms are totally different and hardly ever go out. They are much cheaper and will be fine getting Lexus parts.
What questions do you have?
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 496
Likes: 0
From: NC
The silver one that looks like a wishbone is the upper. The beefier black one is the lower. It has a ball joint and sleeve that will wear over time/abuse. With both you can replace the bushings, the thick rubber donuts at their contact points with your axle.
There are also fully adjustable aftermarket versions of both that go for mega bucks
Why do you think you need to replace them?
There are also fully adjustable aftermarket versions of both that go for mega bucks
Why do you think you need to replace them?
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 496
Likes: 0
From: NC
This is a veryyyy reviewed topic. Anything you can think of is searchable about control arms.
That being said. You have a couple options. Usually people replace both sides at the same time but that's up to you and your wallet. If its the lower control arms, you'll want to replace them both since they are GOING to go out on ya with time regardless. You can get a pair of Lexus arms for 6-700 OR get Supra lower control arms for half that. They are interchangeable but the Supra arms are a bit stiffer since the bushings are filled instead of porous. Depending on who you ask, you wont be able to tell..
Upper control arms are totally different and hardly ever go out. They are much cheaper and will be fine getting Lexus parts.
What questions do you have?
That being said. You have a couple options. Usually people replace both sides at the same time but that's up to you and your wallet. If its the lower control arms, you'll want to replace them both since they are GOING to go out on ya with time regardless. You can get a pair of Lexus arms for 6-700 OR get Supra lower control arms for half that. They are interchangeable but the Supra arms are a bit stiffer since the bushings are filled instead of porous. Depending on who you ask, you wont be able to tell..
Upper control arms are totally different and hardly ever go out. They are much cheaper and will be fine getting Lexus parts.
What questions do you have?
Last edited by Bankswood; Sep 17, 2014 at 03:43 PM.
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 496
Likes: 0
From: NC
OK this seems to good to be correct. The link will show you Dorman lower control arms for a 93 Supra. Part numbers 521-730 and 521-813. Will these work for my 93 Sc400?
http://www.oscaroparts.com/UniversalSearch/Search/Find?q=Suspension%20Control%20Arm%20Toyota&ctx=**"part.genart"%3A"10401"%2C"vehicle.make"%3A"76"%2C"titre"%3A"Suspension%20Control%20Arm%20Toyota"}&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc-search&utm_term=%2Btoyota%20%2Bcontrol%20%2Barm.b&utm_campaign=45146425326&utm_content=s83ol5Urz_pcrid_45146425326_plid_
http://www.oscaroparts.com/UniversalSearch/Search/Find?q=Suspension%20Control%20Arm%20Toyota&ctx=**"part.genart"%3A"10401"%2C"vehicle.make"%3A"76"%2C"titre"%3A"Suspension%20Control%20Arm%20Toyota"}&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc-search&utm_term=%2Btoyota%20%2Bcontrol%20%2Barm.b&utm_campaign=45146425326&utm_content=s83ol5Urz_pcrid_45146425326_plid_
Last edited by Bankswood; Sep 17, 2014 at 04:41 PM.
I would avoid Dorman, and go with Beck/Arnley or Raybestos. Google Dorman vs Raybestos and see why. Now they might have improved their product since, but I wouldn't waste time and money with them. They are cheap for a reason.
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When folks talk about the control arms (upper and lower) there are two aspects to them that wear out. The bushings AND the ball joints. Bushings have been reported on this sight back in the 90's as going out as soon as 5 years and 50,000 miles but the other part that many don't seem to pay as much attention to is the ball joints which after 20+ years and often a hundred plus thousand miles will go as well. Just replaced my uppers and lowers and both had ball joints that just flapped in the breeze. And the ball joints more directly effect your handling and safety. Check out both aspects and you can really tighten up that front end. The Lexus upper control arms through Sewell with our discount are discounted from $451 a piece to $275 plus shipping which is a great price but still more then the Supra lower control arms which is why most folks get the Beck/ Arnley, Raybestos or as a last resort Dorman upper control arms for about 1/3 that cost. Very worthwhile maintenance issues to address and will make a noticeable difference in handling and ride quality.
Toyota compatable part numbers 48069-14080 Left lower control arm Supra & 48068-14080 Right lower control arm Supra fit the 92-96 SC400. Here is a DIY to do the replacement too. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sus...l-arm-diy.html
Good luck and search the sight for more help.
Good luck and search the sight for more help.
there is a suspension section with all these part numbers listed out in the sticky. I would check it out.
also moving this thread to the suspension forum.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sus...-sc-300-a.html
also moving this thread to the suspension forum.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sus...-sc-300-a.html
Last edited by Ali SC3; Sep 18, 2014 at 09:54 AM.
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