Rawboost

Im about to purchase a new set of control arms they are a brand new set the listings says 92-96 but when I checked the part number it's the same for the 98 my question is will control arms from an older model sc fit on my 98?

KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

You're referring to the front lower control arms, correct?

Yes, 92-96 versions (or through 1997 if that is the cutoff or changeover model year) will fit your 98-00 SC. The difference is that the very late model control arms are made of aluminum and the older ones are steel. The only downside to doing this is adding just a bit of weight to your late model SC which you aren't going to feel.

93-96 MKIV Supra (and 97-98 Supra) front lower control arms will also fit your 98-00 SC (anything Supra MKIV rear will not fit without an entire rear subframe conversion). Supra versions have slightly firmer rubber formulation.

The shape and mounting locations are the same for all years.

Blkexcoupe

iTrader: (8)

Yeah, the arms will fit fine. I've installed 92 arms from an old parts car on to my 98 before.

The arms I took off my 98 were steel. The difference between the newer and older arms is in the bushing design. The 97+ arms have a different metal sleeve around the bushing that makes one of the ears wider.

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

The front LCAs on my '98 are steel/cast, too, although I can't swear that they're original to the car. I think it's a myth that '98-00 are aluminum.

Blkexcoupe

iTrader: (8)

Yeah, I think its a myth too.

KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

Huh. If even the 97-00 arms are also made of steel then I'm perplexed at why they cost so much more.

Maybe it is just 97-98 Supra MKIV front lower control arms that are made of aluminum? Those also cost more than the 93-96 (MKIV) examples.

Blkexcoupe

iTrader: (8)

The 97+ arms are 2 dollars cheaper and you can buy replacement bushings. The bushing part numbers are available, but I've never had any luck buying them.

KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

Just to be sure, this is for the front lower, correct? Either something has changed in the last few years or back when I had to replace mine I was looking at the wrong part numbers for 97+ arms when I had to replace mine. I'm going to look them up again soon.

Blkexcoupe

iTrader: (8)

Yeah, front LCA. I use Lexuspartsnow for my pricing source.

Production Years 08/1996 +
Lower No.1 LH 48069-29215 $645.36
Lower No.1 RH 48068-29215 $645.36
Bush, Front Lower Arm, NO.1 48654-24040 $49.25 (Quantity 2)
Bush, Front Lower Arm, NO.2 48655-24050 $63.94 (Quantity 2)

Production Years 04/1991-08/1996
Lower No.1 LH 48069-29165 $647.07
Lower No.1 RH 48068-29165 $647.07

KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

That works, thanks! ^^

I just looked them up as well and saw the same thing.

It's the Supra MKIV front lower control arms that are significantly cheaper for 93-96 and more expensive for 97-98. I must have incorrectly assumed this was the case with SC front LCA's as well.

For the 97-00 SC front lower control arms you're saying we can replace the rubber bushings with OEM Toyota part numbers but this will not include the ball joints, correct? I've yet to see any way those can be replaced without buying new arms or getting something like a Figs Engineering aftermarket control arm.

Blkexcoupe

iTrader: (8)

correct, for the 97+ arms they made the bushings replaceable. You can buy the rubber bushings from the dealer. The ball joints are still permanently fixed to the arms like older years.

I don't remember what year I attempted this, but if you dig through the archives you can find threads back in 2006-2012 where people mention it. After that talk about oem bushings kind of disappears. I tried ordering the bushings from the dealer and they said it was unavailable. I never attempted to buy them again.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sus...-bushings.html

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

With the ball joints being non-replaceable, I almost wonder if Lexus pulled the bushing kits for safety/liability reasons. Providing the means to service the less essential safety component gives a false sense of security.

Blkexcoupe

iTrader: (8)

I attempted to buy the bushings years ago, most likely 2010, at that time it seemed like my dealer couldn't get it. Looking at parts sites now, there is nothing to indicate that they've been discontinued.

t2d2

iTrader: (8)

That's why I said pulled, not discontinued.

KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

I wonder if it was a "stop-sale" order from corporate. This was done permanently a while back in the U.S. with R154 Soarer shifter extension housings when there was still some of that stock left internationally. It was also done temporarily with R154 1JZ flywheels but that stop-sale was lifted for some reason. The way I got around it was to order the part numbers from an importer that buys them from within Japan. As long as stock was actually still available that did work for me (note: those extension housings have long since been discontinued for anyone wondering; this was a while back).

This was also done recently for several Toyota airbag adaptors that you used to be able to buy through SPX Corp. At least for the U.S. it suddenly became difficult to order them.

If we try the same with the bushing part numbers it's worth a shot.