front control arm options

[lifespeed]

We don't have any options for the front control arms, do we? Just try and cut a good deal from your favorite Ford dealer and buy the lower arms complete?

In the past I have used Delrin/aluminum bushings with excellent results. But this requires the front and rear bushing share a common axis, which the (lower, at least) control arm does not because the front bolt adjusts camber. This requires some compliance from the bushing, so apparently Delrin is out, even if I were willing to have them fabricated.

I'm not much of a fan of polyurethane when used in a twisting configuration where the inner sleeve is pinched and immobile, while the outer sleeve twists. This works OK with rubber, but poly can wear and squeak. Delrin of course just smoothly glides, like a bearing, but not an option.

Also, what is the difference between Crown Vic and GM compared to the front suspension on our cars? I guess the lower control arm is slightly different? I know the steering rack is different.

[fastblackmerc]

Don't know of any aftermarket options for front control arms.

[justbob]

I've installed the stamped steel upper CA's from MOOG on a members car and my first thought was it looked like a downgrade?? Not to mention I had to throw it in the press and finish pressing the bushings the factory neglected to seat. Not aftermarket like you mean, but at least it could be boxed.


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[Rockettman]

^^^ doesn't "look" that bad on their site...(I guess it's just a pic though). I'm referring to the lowers they have.

OP; here's what it mentions about fitment:
MOOG-K80392 fitment:



Part Number: MOOG-K80392 Fits These Vehicles:

Ford Crown Victoria 2003-2006
Lincoln Town Car 2003-2006
Mercury Grand Marquis 2003-2006
Mercury Marauder 2003-2204

[Billy]

I guess the lower control arm is slightly different? I know the steering rack is different.
I don't think either of those things are different at all. Take off the marauder body and engine and you basically have a crown vic underneath.

[lifespeed]

I don't think either of those things are different at all. Take off the marauder body and engine and you basically have a crown vic underneath.

Supposedly the lower rear control arm bushings are different from CV. This would be a not-surprising change that could improve handling slightly (higher durometer bushing?) and differentiate the Marauder from CV. I would not be surprised if they did this. Here is a thread on the subject (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=78593).

The Marauder steering rack is $50 more than the CV. Can't easily get the part number from Silver State Ford. Doesn't look like the same part, at least at first glance.

[lifespeed]

I've installed the stamped steel upper CA's from MOOG on a members car and my first thought was it looked like a downgrade?? Not to mention I had to throw it in the press and finish pressing the bushings the factory neglected to seat. Not aftermarket like you mean, but at least it could be boxed.

The factory upper control arms appear to be forged steel, so I would have to agree that is something of a downgrade. I guess you could box the Moog arms and end up with something that is lighter and just as strong. Not sure if it would be worth the effort. Given the price of the factory upper A-arms they might be the best option.

[Billy]

Supposedly the lower rear control arm bushings are different from CV. This would be a not-surprising change that could improve handling slightly (higher durometer bushing?) and differentiate the Marauder from CV. I would not be surprised if they did this.

The Marauder steering rack is $50 more than the CV. Can't easily get the part number from Silver State Ford. Doesn't look like the same part, at least at first glance.

I imagine it would look the same, but if it's different, it's probably just a slightly different ratio. Ford liked to experiment with different steering gear ratios.

And do you have any more info on the bushing being different? Never heard of that.

[lifespeed]

I imagine it would look the same, but if it's different, it's probably just a slightly different ratio. Ford liked to experiment with different steering gear ratios.

And do you have any more info on the bushing being different? Never heard of that.

A different ratio is still different. I edited my post to link to a thread where somebody tried to replace their lower control arm bushing and apparently was given CV parts that did not fit.

[lifespeed]

^^^ doesn't "look" that bad on their site...(I guess it's just a pic though). I'm referring to the lowers they have.

OP; here's what it mentions about fitment:
MOOG-K80392 fitment:



Part Number: MOOG-K80392 Fits These Vehicles:

Ford Crown Victoria 2003-2006
Lincoln Town Car 2003-2006
Mercury Grand Marquis 2003-2006
Mercury Marauder 2003-2004
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Bad link.

I bet you could bolt on an entire CV control arm. The aftermarket replacement parts industry would surely consolidate part numbers. I doubt they changed the mounting holes in the frame!

That does not prove the Marauder arm is not slightly different, possibly employing different bushings.

[Billy]

A different ratio is still different. I edited my post to link to a thread where somebody tried to replace their lower control arm bushing and apparently was given CV parts that did not fit.
If you read that thread you'd see that it was actually confirmed that CV ones do fit.

[lifespeed]

If you read that thread you'd see that it was actually confirmed that CV ones do fit.

From that thread "the ones from Ebay fit". Might have to read between the lines to infer they were CV parts, but that is a reasonable guess.

When I buy the lower arms I'll find out if the part number is the same is CV or CVPI.

[Piece-it Pete]

I just changed the upper control arms on my 03 MGM. I used the Moogs, they are stamped and boxed. If I had a Marauder I'd probably want the Raybestos forged ones though.

Pete

[lifespeed]

I just changed the upper control arms on my 03 MGM. I used the Moogs, they are stamped and boxed. If I had a Marauder I'd probably want the Raybestos forged ones though.

Aren't the Ford parts forged? What is better about Raybestos?

[Piece-it Pete]

I think Ford sourced them from Raybestos, iirc. Don't remember for sure. Anyway the Ray is forged, vs the stamped and boxed Moog, was my thinking.

Pete

[RoyLPita]

I noticed that in 2006, the CV and GM lower control arms are stamped steel instead of aluminum.