Upper control arms...

Doc · 03-25-2006, 08:07 PM

I have had a set of the upper and lower control arms and have had Zero problems with the lowers.. the uppers on the other hand have not been so kind. I have talked to Tony about them a lil bit and here are the issues..

I had the arms recoated with red (since the truck is....lol)

When i got the arms back from coating, the cross bars were stripped on the end and them lil tiny threaded nuts were trash. I went to the local store and bought regular lock nuts and a rethreader for the shafts. I installed the bushings, which were a huge bitch and got it all together. Less than 1 week later i find that the bushings have slid through and the control arm is rubbing on the outer washer, also was having a problem (which i also heard many people do) with the nuts coming loose at the ends even with red loctite. At that time it wasnt a huge issue, just something i would fix when i had some time, well i havent had much time and still have been driving on them...now that my ball joints are damn near falling apart i figured its time to fix them. I want to send the arms to ART and have them put new bushings and cross bars on them and tighten to what they should be. After i get them back i will drill a tiny hole big enough to install a cotter key to keep them from backing off again. Anyone else having issues with them? Any info from Tony would be awesome as well!

aquaxtreme · 03-25-2006, 09:42 PM

i had a few problems with the nuts on the ends staying tight at first. and my balljoints are screwed. i havent even had them on the truck but a few months, and the boot could never stay in place, and the grease is all gone. so i dont know what to do about the balljoint,

***AVTekk*** · 03-26-2006, 12:38 AM

the balljoints will never work out, you need to switch them to a diff style that uses an acordian boot and/or crimped ends. however ive installed quite a few sets and never had problems with the bushings or nuts..

Doc · 03-26-2006, 02:35 AM

Thats because you are a GOD at this stuff and i suck....

***AVTekk*** · 03-26-2006, 10:24 AM

na, i didnt do anything different, at least not that i know of..

Doc · 03-26-2006, 10:24 AM

Just giving you shit dave...

poconojoe · 03-26-2006, 10:30 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by AVTekk

na, i didnt do anything different, at least not that i know of..

I guess you're not showing up at the met today.

yell02sonoma · 03-26-2006, 12:11 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by AVTekk

the balljoints will never work out, you need to switch them to a diff style that uses an acordian boot and/or crimped ends. however ive installed quite a few sets and never had problems with the bushings or nuts..

So would the power performance balljoints be a good set to switch to?

Doc · 03-26-2006, 12:46 PM

those are what im going to go with.. i have only heard good from them..

yell02sonoma · 03-26-2006, 01:44 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Doc

those are what im going to go with.. i have only heard good from them..

Yep. I would like to switch them out before I install the arms since the art balljoints are crap, so I hear. What's involved in switching the balljoints out?

***AVTekk*** · 03-26-2006, 06:23 PM

the power performance are good, but spicer are available locally and have the same style boot, i think ac delco is good too. dont use moog tho, they will rip.

Doc · 03-26-2006, 06:28 PM

do spicer have the movement that power does?

***AVTekk*** · 03-26-2006, 06:34 PM

dunno, probably not, but you dont need the increased travel with tubular arms because they have corrected balljoint angles.

yell02sonoma · 03-26-2006, 08:05 PM

Why are the balljoints that come with the art arms junk?

ss350 · 03-26-2006, 09:33 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by AVTekk

dunno, probably not, but you dont need the increased travel with tubular arms because they have corrected balljoint angles.

Just my 2 cents, I put a set of ART upper and lowers on my truck. I used 2B7s w/ a 3" cup fom SD, on 225/45/18s. The upper ball joint was maxed out at 60psi and I was just shy of clearing my fender. The upper ball joint boot was cut the first time I raised it to 60psi. I may be wrong, but it seems like the tubular arms are angled at the plate where the ball joint mounts, to help lay out. If correct, that decreases the amount of ball joint travel, when lifted. I installed a set of power performace ball joints and it didn't seem like they have any more travel. But the boots are sweet and they look like a beefier ball joint. Since my truck has a 3.5" BD and I got a set of 20s, I installed a set of stock spindles w/ 2" cups and @ 70psi the fenders are cleared and the upper ball joints are almost perpindicular with the ball joint mount plate. It lays rocker fine, the camber is just all wacked out. I have some pictures of before and after, if anyone is interested.

***AVTekk*** · 03-26-2006, 11:55 PM

the only problem with the ART balljoints is they have a normal rubber boot, and it doesnt last, the cup cuts right into it, you need one thats acordian style..

tuckn20s · 03-27-2006, 01:40 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by AVTekk

the only problem with the ART balljoints is they have a normal rubber boot, and it doesnt last, the cup cuts right into it, you need one thats acordian style..

where do you get these boots

yell02sonoma · 03-27-2006, 06:21 PM

Can you just get a different boot to put on there or does the whole balljoint need to be changed?

***AVTekk*** · 03-27-2006, 11:29 PM

get them on ac delco, spicer, and power performance balljoints.

ss350 · 03-28-2006, 09:45 PM

NO comments on my 2 cents??????????

layinbody31 · 03-28-2006, 10:39 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by ss350

NO comments on my 2 cents??????????

I'd like to see some up and down pics of the truck

Doc · 03-29-2006, 02:20 AM

Just for fun i ordered new ART arms from Pork today and the power performance ball joints.. so when i get the new ones in i will ship the old ones to ART and install new cross bars and bushings.

yell02sonoma · 03-29-2006, 11:10 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Doc

Just for fun i ordered new ART arms from Pork today and the power performance ball joints.. so when i get the new ones in i will ship the old ones to ART and install new cross bars and bushings.

Let us know how the balljoint installation goes.

Doc · 03-29-2006, 09:05 PM

its easy.. they bolt right in

Doc · 03-29-2006, 09:06 PM

Dave, how do you tighten the upper nuts on the cross shaft? i want to do this right this time and not have it all jacked up again?

ss350 · 03-29-2006, 10:44 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Doc

its easy.. they bolt right in

Have you done this? When I installed the Power performance upper ball joints, they did not just bolt right in. I had to open the hole in the control arm. I have read threads on others doing this also.

Doc · 03-29-2006, 10:51 PM

lemme look.. they are right here.lol

Doc · 03-29-2006, 10:52 PM

well they fit in there.. but they are snug.. wont have to open them at all

ss350 · 03-29-2006, 11:09 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Doc

well they fit in there.. but they are snug.. wont have to open them at all

Glad to hear it!

ss350 · 03-29-2006, 11:14 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by layinbody31

I'd like to see some up and down pics of the truck

0 Psi, stock spindles 2b7s, 2" upper cups, 245/35?20

ss350 · 03-29-2006, 11:15 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by layinbody31

I'd like to see some up and down pics of the truck

70 Psi in the front, still have the old 18s and 2b6s on the back

ss350 · 03-29-2006, 11:18 PM

original balljoints that came with ART arms @ 60 psi

ss350 · 03-29-2006, 11:21 PM

Power performance ball joints @70Psi, same as before raised picture

I still have to weld the pipe in for my tie rod notches.

layinbody31 · 03-30-2006, 02:19 PM

damn thats all the smaller your upper cups are to lay on 20s with arms and stock spindles?!? I always thought they needed to be super short (like 1" tall) but I guess not. Thanks for the pics man

yell02sonoma · 03-30-2006, 04:15 PM

So are the balljoints on the lca's any good or should they be replaced also?

s10nospeed · 03-30-2006, 07:46 PM

damn, I wanted to get new uppers and lowers but idunno now, do you guys think its worth all the hassl?

Doc · 03-30-2006, 10:29 PM

My lowers are fine.. they dont get the angles like the uppers..

ss350 · 03-30-2006, 10:44 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Doc

My lowers are fine.. they dont get the angles like the uppers..

I agree, I don't see any problems with the lowers.

s10nospeed · 03-30-2006, 11:28 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Doc

My lowers are fine.. they dont get the angles like the uppers..

hmmm . . You guys may be influencing my next purchase

yell02sonoma · 03-31-2006, 03:39 PM

Cool. I'll just swap out the upper balljoints then.

digital_xtreme · 03-31-2006, 05:51 PM

Thanks for the info guys... i'm finishing up my truck when i get home and i'm glad i saw this because i'm going to switch out my upper ball joints then. Just placed an order for the Performance EXTREME upper ball joints.

Dallas@2020Kustoms · 03-31-2006, 10:25 PM

Holy frickin hacked up frame ! Get out the welder ...

wirrrey21 · 04-01-2006, 01:48 AM

are you guys having these problems cause you don't have drop spindles or are the guys with drop spindles having similar problems?

Twin-10s · 04-01-2006, 12:11 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by wirrrey21

are you guys having these problems cause you don't have drop spindles or are the guys with drop spindles having similar problems?

i have drop spindles on mine, and have the same problems as doc with the uppers. pulled the rear passenger side bushing thru the arm. destroyed the upper ball joints in 1 day, 10 miles.lol
sent the arm back to art. they took care of it no charge. then i installed power performance upper ball joints and left the nuts on the cross shafts almost loose, no problems yet.

fiveinchbodydrop · 04-01-2006, 05:25 PM

how bout art putting the new ball joints in to start????

cain · 04-01-2006, 06:22 PM

if anyone wants a set of air ride uppers..brand new design hit me up in a PM..

ss350 · 04-01-2006, 09:46 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Dallas@2020Kustoms

Holy frickin hacked up frame ! Get out the welder ...

Like I said before, I am redoing this truck. I have some 2.5" schedule 80 pipe cut and ready to weld in. Just need to see how much additional meat I have to weld in. Believe me, I will have to add some serious metal to make it right. I also have to cut off the frame horns and align all of the stuff in the front. It is not right. But thanks for noticing.

wirrrey21 · 04-01-2006, 10:09 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Twin-10s

i have drop spindles on mine, and have the same problems as doc with the uppers. pulled the rear passenger side bushing thru the arm. destroyed the upper ball joints in 1 day, 10 miles.lol
sent the arm back to art. they took care of it no charge. then i installed power performance upper ball joints and left the nuts on the cross shafts almost loose, no problems yet.

thanks....guess i'll be purchasing those ball joints also.

digital_xtreme · 04-05-2006, 11:21 PM

Do the upper ball joints get mounted underneath the control arm or above it? The Extreme ball joints i got don't sit in the control arm hole too good so i'm just wondering...

Doc · 04-05-2006, 11:26 PM

they go on top, you may have to round out the hole some for them to fit right..

03-25-2006, 08:07 PM	#1
Doc Just another asshole Age: 33 Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 4,342 Location: Northwest Indiana User is: OffLine	Upper control arms... I have had a set of the upper and lower control arms and have had Zero problems with the lowers.. the uppers on the other hand have not been so kind. I have talked to Tony about them a lil bit and here are the issues.. I had the arms recoated with red (since the truck is....lol) When i got the arms back from coating, the cross bars were stripped on the end and them lil tiny threaded nuts were trash. I went to the local store and bought regular lock nuts and a rethreader for the shafts. I installed the bushings, which were a huge bitch and got it all together. Less than 1 week later i find that the bushings have slid through and the control arm is rubbing on the outer washer, also was having a problem (which i also heard many people do) with the nuts coming loose at the ends even with red loctite. At that time it wasnt a huge issue, just something i would fix when i had some time, well i havent had much time and still have been driving on them...now that my ball joints are damn near falling apart i figured its time to fix them. I want to send the arms to ART and have them put new bushings and cross bars on them and tighten to what they should be. After i get them back i will drill a tiny hole big enough to install a cotter key to keep them from backing off again. Anyone else having issues with them? Any info from Tony would be awesome as well!
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-25-2006, 09:42 PM	#2
aquaxtreme draggin plastic Age: 22 Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 3,119 Location: Charleston, SC User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... i had a few problems with the nuts on the ends staying tight at first. and my balljoints are screwed. i havent even had them on the truck but a few months, and the boot could never stay in place, and the grease is all gone. so i dont know what to do about the balljoint,
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-26-2006, 02:35 AM	#4
Doc Just another asshole Age: 33 Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 4,342 Location: Northwest Indiana User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... Thats because you are a GOD at this stuff and i suck....
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-26-2006, 10:24 AM	#6
Doc Just another asshole Age: 33 Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 4,342 Location: Northwest Indiana User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... Just giving you shit dave...
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-26-2006, 10:30 AM	#7
poconojoe Registered User Age: 56 Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 6,403 Location: NEPA User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... Quote: Originally Posted by AVTekk na, i didnt do anything different, at least not that i know of.. I guess you're not showing up at the met today.
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-26-2006, 12:11 PM	#8
yell02sonoma Low & Yellow Age: 28 Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,204 Location: Missouri User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... Quote: Originally Posted by AVTekk the balljoints will never work out, you need to switch them to a diff style that uses an acordian boot and/or crimped ends. however ive installed quite a few sets and never had problems with the bushings or nuts.. So would the power performance balljoints be a good set to switch to?
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-26-2006, 12:46 PM	#9
Doc Just another asshole Age: 33 Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 4,342 Location: Northwest Indiana User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... those are what im going to go with.. i have only heard good from them..
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-26-2006, 01:44 PM	#10
yell02sonoma Low & Yellow Age: 28 Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,204 Location: Missouri User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... Quote: Originally Posted by Doc those are what im going to go with.. i have only heard good from them.. Yep. I would like to switch them out before I install the arms since the art balljoints are crap, so I hear. What's involved in switching the balljoints out?
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-26-2006, 06:28 PM	#12
Doc Just another asshole Age: 33 Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 4,342 Location: Northwest Indiana User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... do spicer have the movement that power does?
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-26-2006, 08:05 PM	#14
yell02sonoma Low & Yellow Age: 28 Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,204 Location: Missouri User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... Why are the balljoints that come with the art arms junk?
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-26-2006, 09:33 PM	#15
ss350 If it feels good, Do it! Age: 37 Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 93 Location: Wilkinson, Indiana User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... Quote: Originally Posted by AVTekk dunno, probably not, but you dont need the increased travel with tubular arms because they have corrected balljoint angles. Just my 2 cents, I put a set of ART upper and lowers on my truck. I used 2B7s w/ a 3" cup fom SD, on 225/45/18s. The upper ball joint was maxed out at 60psi and I was just shy of clearing my fender. The upper ball joint boot was cut the first time I raised it to 60psi. I may be wrong, but it seems like the tubular arms are angled at the plate where the ball joint mounts, to help lay out. If correct, that decreases the amount of ball joint travel, when lifted. I installed a set of power performace ball joints and it didn't seem like they have any more travel. But the boots are sweet and they look like a beefier ball joint. Since my truck has a 3.5" BD and I got a set of 20s, I installed a set of stock spindles w/ 2" cups and @ 70psi the fenders are cleared and the upper ball joints are almost perpindicular with the ball joint mount plate. It lays rocker fine, the camber is just all wacked out. I have some pictures of before and after, if anyone is interested.
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-27-2006, 01:40 PM	#17
tuckn20s v8 and bagged Age: 31 Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 866 Location: omaha User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... Quote: Originally Posted by AVTekk the only problem with the ART balljoints is they have a normal rubber boot, and it doesnt last, the cup cuts right into it, you need one thats acordian style.. where do you get these boots
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-27-2006, 06:21 PM	#18
yell02sonoma Low & Yellow Age: 28 Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,204 Location: Missouri User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... Can you just get a different boot to put on there or does the whole balljoint need to be changed?
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-28-2006, 09:45 PM	#20
ss350 If it feels good, Do it! Age: 37 Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 93 Location: Wilkinson, Indiana User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... NO comments on my 2 cents??????????
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-28-2006, 10:39 PM	#21
layinbody31 Center your wheels! Age: 23 Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 9,546 Location: Griffith, IN User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... Quote: Originally Posted by ss350 NO comments on my 2 cents?????????? I'd like to see some up and down pics of the truck
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-29-2006, 02:20 AM	#22
Doc Just another asshole Age: 33 Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 4,342 Location: Northwest Indiana User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... Just for fun i ordered new ART arms from Pork today and the power performance ball joints.. so when i get the new ones in i will ship the old ones to ART and install new cross bars and bushings.
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-29-2006, 11:10 AM	#23
yell02sonoma Low & Yellow Age: 28 Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,204 Location: Missouri User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... Quote: Originally Posted by Doc Just for fun i ordered new ART arms from Pork today and the power performance ball joints.. so when i get the new ones in i will ship the old ones to ART and install new cross bars and bushings. Let us know how the balljoint installation goes.
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-29-2006, 09:05 PM	#24
Doc Just another asshole Age: 33 Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 4,342 Location: Northwest Indiana User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... its easy.. they bolt right in
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-29-2006, 09:06 PM	#25
Doc Just another asshole Age: 33 Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 4,342 Location: Northwest Indiana User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... Dave, how do you tighten the upper nuts on the cross shaft? i want to do this right this time and not have it all jacked up again?
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-29-2006, 10:44 PM	#26
ss350 If it feels good, Do it! Age: 37 Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 93 Location: Wilkinson, Indiana User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... Quote: Originally Posted by Doc its easy.. they bolt right in Have you done this? When I installed the Power performance upper ball joints, they did not just bolt right in. I had to open the hole in the control arm. I have read threads on others doing this also.
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-29-2006, 10:51 PM	#27
Doc Just another asshole Age: 33 Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 4,342 Location: Northwest Indiana User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... lemme look.. they are right here.lol
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-29-2006, 10:52 PM	#28
Doc Just another asshole Age: 33 Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 4,342 Location: Northwest Indiana User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... well they fit in there.. but they are snug.. wont have to open them at all
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-29-2006, 11:09 PM	#29
ss350 If it feels good, Do it! Age: 37 Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 93 Location: Wilkinson, Indiana User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... Quote: Originally Posted by Doc well they fit in there.. but they are snug.. wont have to open them at all Glad to hear it!
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-29-2006, 11:14 PM	#30
ss350 If it feels good, Do it! Age: 37 Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 93 Location: Wilkinson, Indiana User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... Quote: Originally Posted by layinbody31 I'd like to see some up and down pics of the truck 0 Psi, stock spindles 2b7s, 2" upper cups, 245/35?20
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-29-2006, 11:15 PM	#31
ss350 If it feels good, Do it! Age: 37 Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 93 Location: Wilkinson, Indiana User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... Quote: Originally Posted by layinbody31 I'd like to see some up and down pics of the truck 70 Psi in the front, still have the old 18s and 2b6s on the back
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-29-2006, 11:18 PM	#32
ss350 If it feels good, Do it! Age: 37 Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 93 Location: Wilkinson, Indiana User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... original balljoints that came with ART arms @ 60 psi
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-29-2006, 11:21 PM	#33
ss350 If it feels good, Do it! Age: 37 Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 93 Location: Wilkinson, Indiana User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... Power performance ball joints @70Psi, same as before raised picture I still have to weld the pipe in for my tie rod notches.
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-30-2006, 02:19 PM	#34
layinbody31 Center your wheels! Age: 23 Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 9,546 Location: Griffith, IN User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... damn thats all the smaller your upper cups are to lay on 20s with arms and stock spindles?!? I always thought they needed to be super short (like 1" tall) but I guess not. Thanks for the pics man
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-30-2006, 04:15 PM	#35
yell02sonoma Low & Yellow Age: 28 Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,204 Location: Missouri User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... So are the balljoints on the lca's any good or should they be replaced also?
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-30-2006, 07:46 PM	#36
s10nospeed Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 913 Location: Macungie Pa User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... damn, I wanted to get new uppers and lowers but idunno now, do you guys think its worth all the hassl?
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-30-2006, 10:29 PM	#37
Doc Just another asshole Age: 33 Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 4,342 Location: Northwest Indiana User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... My lowers are fine.. they dont get the angles like the uppers..
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-30-2006, 10:44 PM	#38
ss350 If it feels good, Do it! Age: 37 Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 93 Location: Wilkinson, Indiana User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... Quote: Originally Posted by Doc My lowers are fine.. they dont get the angles like the uppers.. I agree, I don't see any problems with the lowers.
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-30-2006, 11:28 PM	#39
s10nospeed Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 913 Location: Macungie Pa User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... Quote: Originally Posted by Doc My lowers are fine.. they dont get the angles like the uppers.. hmmm . . You guys may be influencing my next purchase
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-31-2006, 03:39 PM	#40
yell02sonoma Low & Yellow Age: 28 Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,204 Location: Missouri User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... Cool. I'll just swap out the upper balljoints then.
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-31-2006, 05:51 PM	#41
digital_xtreme Registered User Age: 24 Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 3,255 Location: Lapeer / Midland, Michigan User is: OffLine	Re: Upper control arms... Thanks for the info guys... i'm finishing up my truck when i get home and i'm glad i saw this because i'm going to switch out my upper ball joints then. Just placed an order for the Performance EXTREME upper ball joints.
	[Reply w/Quote]