Replacing Lower CA ball joints with OEM parts

[FiveFordEXP]

Hi Marauder Community.

Question: Has everybody replaced their lower control arm ball joints with OEM parts?
I am trying to confirm the correct Ford part number. Multiple on-line Ford parts sites list the applicable ball joint as 3W1Z-3050-B. However, after ordering thru an on-line Ford dealership, the parts manager contacted me and stated it was the wrong part number for my 2003 MM. He stated the part number should be 6W1Z-3050-A. His own dealership web site told me to order 3W1Z-3050-B. When I mentioned that to him, his reply was it was wrong. So, I have a little anxiety about ordering either one as once I start the replacement the car would be lift bound (if I ordered the wrong part) while awaiting to receive the correct part.

Researching part numbers it states 3W1Z-3050-B (with Limo package) and 6W1Z-3050-A (without limo package). Not sure how that relates to our MMs.

Also, anybody experienced any issues with pressing ball joints out and new one in that I should be aware of?

I appreciate any helpful feedback. Thank You.

[Shinker]

I replaced lower front control arms with mevotech gk80395 and gk80396 from rockauto. Look almost exactly like the old ones I removed. No issues with install but also no idea how they perform as I’m still working on car

[Mr. Man]

Isn't the front suspension essentially a P-71 set up?

[FiveFordEXP]

Thanks Shinker. Will keep Mevotech Part Numbers at the ready in case the Ford parts don't pan out. I usually tend to replace with Ford parts unless better performance parts are available or a Ford part is discontinued.

[FiveFordEXP]

Mr Man, will check out P-71 part numbers for fitment as well. Thanks.

[Mr. Man]

I'd personally shy away from Mevotech unless there is no other choice. If going aftermarket look into Moog's CK line. Moog has another line NK or RK can't recall but those are more of an economy line, and not as well suited.

[Chi Stallion]

I have the Moog RK80395 and RK80396 lower control arms which are about 150 a piece. They seem to hold up well so far.

[Mr. Man]

I have the Moog RK80395 and RK80396 lower control arms which are about 150 a piece. They seem to hold up well so far.

This for forged lowers^^^^^.

Uppers are stamped in both the CK and RK lines, but Rockauto lists the CK's as premium.

Don't forget the discount code from site sponsor Rockauto listed on their forum page.

[Chi Stallion]

This for forged lowers^^^^^.

Uppers are stamped in both the CK and RK lines, but Rockauto lists the CK's as premium.

Don't forget the discount code from site sponsor Rockauto listed on their forum page.

Im confused but the part # I provided is Forged Aluminum. The upper Moog control arms are stamped steel. Also the 03 MMs have the tapered bushing which is no longer serviceable.

[Turbov6Bryan]

03 have the smaller inner diameter rear mount bushing, later they went bigger.... if you buy the entire control arm, now you will have the 04 up setup... i have bought the smaller bushing with bracket, so im confident the bushing is still serviceable / the most rear one... just buy a balljoint locally and i bet it fits fine.

[crouse]

I replaced my upper and lower controls arms last summer with Moog RK80038 & RK80040 upper and RK80395 & RK80396 lower and outer tie rod ends.

[FiveFordEXP]

Happy & Safe New Year 2022.
Thanks for all the responses. After a little more research and your comments, I decided to go with Moog K80141(Premium) lower ball joints to rebuild the OE control arms. Ordered from RockAuto. Thanks to Mr. Man for mentioning the Rock Auto discount. I did not know that existed.