Rebuilding vs Updated upper control arms

[fordmike65]

My front upper arms are in dire need of replacement. Balljoint boots are torn,bushings split pretty bad. The orig arms are cast, while the updated replacement arms are boxed in sheetmetal. Has anyone noticed a difference in the two designs handling wise? Am I better off rebuilding the orig arms? Are polygraphite bushings available & if so, noisy? Thanks in advance for the help guys. Mike

[Zack]

These look identical to stock as far as I can see....

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx/Control-Arm-Upper-Front-Susp/_/R-NCP2605222_0275570423

[fordmike65]

http://i754.photobucket.com/albums/xx183/fordmike65/CAM00296_zpsgrwgkxhv.jpg (http://s754.photobucket.com/user/fordmike65/media/CAM00296_zpsgrwgkxhv.jpg.html)

http://i754.photobucket.com/albums/xx183/fordmike65/CAM00297_zps2g8jkaeh.jpg (http://s754.photobucket.com/user/fordmike65/media/CAM00297_zps2g8jkaeh.jpg.html)

[fordmike65]

http://i754.photobucket.com/albums/xx183/fordmike65/CAM00293_zpsuhqoobtr.jpg (http://s754.photobucket.com/user/fordmike65/media/CAM00293_zpsuhqoobtr.jpg.html)

http://i754.photobucket.com/albums/xx183/fordmike65/CAM00295_zpsyaiqwein.jpg (http://s754.photobucket.com/user/fordmike65/media/CAM00295_zpsyaiqwein.jpg.html)

http://i754.photobucket.com/albums/xx183/fordmike65/CAM00294_zpsldaat6jg.jpg (http://s754.photobucket.com/user/fordmike65/media/CAM00294_zpsldaat6jg.jpg.html)

[IwantmyMMnow!]

Thanks for posting pics! Man, I love this site!!! :)

[Comin' in Hot]

i bought the stamped moog arms when I redid my front suspension... they don't look as nice as the cast arms, but they function the same. I saved my old ones just in case.

[Mebot]

Great thread. My bushings on my front look very similar. I want to replace my control arms up front and install my Eibach springs too.

sent from a Samsung Galaxy far far away..

[fordmike65]

Good to know. I too like the clean OG arms. I happen to still have extended warranty on my ride, so I think the OE replacement arms are going on:cool4:

[Zack]

Those updated arms are god awful looking

[Krytin]

I don't believe the cast arms are in production as OEM or after market.
I put the stamped ones in a couple of years ago - don't look great but can't tell the difference driving.
Kept the old ones to press new bushings/ball joints into for the next go around!

[fordmike65]

I don't believe the cast arms are in production as OEM or after market.
I put the stamped ones in a couple of years ago - don't look great but can't tell the difference driving.
Kept the old ones to press new bushings/ball joints into for the next go around!

Found these cast/forged arms:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/pof-108-10007/overview/year/2003/make/mercury/model/marauder

[Hadamustang1]

that looks a winner.. right there.. :banana:
Found these cast/forged arms:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/pof-108-10007/overview/year/2003/make/mercury/model/marauder

[Zack]

Post #2...still solid from NAPA

[BLACKMARAUDER04]

Recently replaced mine. I have a thread relating to this.
The new control arms are much biefier than the originals.

[MOTOWN]

The Napa arms are TRW arms, same as OEM, and much stronger!

[fordmike65]

The Napa arms are TRW arms, same as OEM, and much stronger!

I think I just made my decision. Thanks!:beer:

[fordmike65]

Found a bunch on eBay at pretty good prices. Dorman and Moog make pretty good stuff.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=UPPER+CONTROL+ARM +2003+Mercury+Marauder+Base+4. 6L&selvel=2003~Mercury~Marauder~B ase%2520Sedan%25204-Door~4.6L%2520281Cu.%2520In.%2 520V8%2520GAS%2520DOHC%2520Nat urally%2520Aspirated&_osacat=0&_from=R40&selfil=1%2C2%2C3%2C4%2C5&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR 0.TRC0.H0.XUPPER+CONTROL+ARM+2 003+2004+MARAUDER&_nkw=UPPER+CONTROL+ARM+2003+20 04+MARAUDER&_sacat=0

[fordmike65]

Not that I need all this but wonder how good these parts are for only $194 shipped:eek:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2003-2004-LINCOLN-TOWN-CAR-COMPLETER-FRONT-SUSPENSION-14-PCS-KIT-NEW-/290928836817?pt=Motors_Car_Tru ck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43bcb5c0d1&vxp=mtr

[MOTOWN]

Not that I need all this but wonder how good these parts are for only $194 shipped:eek:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2003-2004-LINCOLN-TOWN-CAR-COMPLETER-FRONT-SUSPENSION-14-PCS-KIT-NEW-/290928836817?pt=Motors_Car_Tru ck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43bcb5c0d1&vxp=mtr

I dont see a brand name, Napa has the TRW upper control arms for $87 each, i would confirm the brand name before placing the order.

[fordmike65]

Now I'm thinking I'll just installed the Ford stamped arms. They are pretty well made, nice welds & seem pretty stout. I like the fact that the boots are actual rubber & not the clearish crap that tends to crack after a while. Definitely a name brand manufacturer too:

http://i754.photobucket.com/albums/xx183/fordmike65/Marauder/CAM00298_zpshp3wpsaa.jpg (http://s754.photobucket.com/user/fordmike65/media/Marauder/CAM00298_zpshp3wpsaa.jpg.html)

[Paul]

IIRC, Rockauto used to carry forged upper control arms made by Mevotech

[lifespeed]

Not that I need all this but wonder how good these parts are for only $194 shipped:eek:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2003-2004-LINCOLN-TOWN-CAR-COMPLETER-FRONT-SUSPENSION-14-PCS-KIT-NEW-/290928836817?pt=Motors_Car_Tru ck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43bcb5c0d1&vxp=mtr


If you need new upper arms there is no question you would benefit from all the other new parts. Lower ball joints too. You'll really notice the improvement if you're on original suspension. That said, I don't know about the quality of "aftermarket" fleabay parts. It is a fair amount of work to rebuild the front end, it is probably worth it to use good parts.

I used Ford front end parts 1.5 years ago and the upper arms were forged. To be honest, I don't see how it is possible for the stamped arms to be as stiff as forged steel. Will the stamped arms crack and break? Really doubt it. But rigidity in a suspension arm is a prized characteristic. Whatever parts you put on there you'll run for a long time, and you can feel them through the steering wheel.

[71cyclone]

I don't believe the cast arms are in production as OEM or after market.
I put the stamped ones in a couple of years ago - don't look great but can't tell the difference driving.
Kept the old ones to press new bushings/ball joints into for the next go around!
Agreed // I replaced mine last month along with lower ball joints [All Packer Norris Whole sale ford parts Baltimore ] sent me the parts , no difference from stock:banana: .Replaced shock/struts with /KYB's ..Factory struts ride better . Kyb's are better in the corners but ride firmer.[126.000] miles

[burt ragio]

Great thread. My bushings on my front look very similar. I want to replace my control arms up front and install my Eibach springs too.

sent from a Samsung Galaxy far far away..

The Eibach springs did you get the variable or the constant rate springs ?
What coil over shocks are you running ?

[fordmike65]

New upper arms, front struts, rear shocks & air springs.
http://i754.photobucket.com/albums/xx183/fordmike65/Marauder/CAM00334_zpstocpn0b7.jpg (http://s754.photobucket.com/user/fordmike65/media/Marauder/CAM00334_zpstocpn0b7.jpg.html)
http://i754.photobucket.com/albums/xx183/fordmike65/Marauder/CAM00335_zpsvejoc6jf.jpg (http://s754.photobucket.com/user/fordmike65/media/Marauder/CAM00335_zpsvejoc6jf.jpg.html)

[Jeronimojc]

Great thread! All of this info will come in handy almost too soon for me.