Front lower control arms.

[PICKUP6772]

Hey guys,
I'm getting ready to replace the hub bearings,and steering knuckles on my 2010 TC. I am also doing the sway bar end links, pads, rotors, and calipers.I'm debating whether I want to replace the lower ball joints on the steel LCA's, or replace them with the aluminum ones. Thoughts/Coimments?

[sly]

I'm pretty sure all the front LCAs on 03+ are aluminum. And unless you want to deal with the possibility of buggering up the ball joint hole, just swapping the entire control arm is much easier. No press required. If you want to save money and don't have any issues with pressing ball joints, then just get the joint. If the bushings are also shot, might was well replace the whole arm.

[gadget73]

agree, for all the annoyance of rebuilding them, just replacing them to get all new stuff is the way to go. Having rebuilt several sets of control arms on other things, I can tell you the job sucks.

[PICKUP6772]

Sly, as a mechanic, I've seen many Panthers (Mine included) with steel arms. I didn't come across the aluminum arms until I went to a U-Pull-It in Maryland (Brandywine Used Auto Parts). Most of them were Police models, with the aluminum arms. But at the same time, we've serviced Police models here on Long Island with steel arms. Aslde from the obvious weight savings, I'm trying to see if the aluminum arms are a better choice as far as strength and handling go. Pressing new joints into the steel arms is not an issue, as I have access to the equipment and a lift.

[sly]

I know up to 2002 is steel arms, but I've never seen steel on 03+. If it's steel, it may be worth pressing the joints and bushings.