Upper Control Arms

[wldgtx]

So a friend of mine is restoring a 69RR, he took the front upper control arms off and realized he needs to do a large clean up/restore of them as well as add new ball joints and bushings. He called me last night and asked "Should I just buy new stock replacements?"

I was not sure how to reply to that? Are the new stock replacements the same as original? Same gage steel? Is there a reason why NOT to simply replace with new stock replacements? I did a quick search last night and saw they are readily available from various sources including Classic Industries.

Thoughts?

 

[Kern Dog]

They may be fine, though I cannot attest to their quality.
I wonder if they have the same high grade of steel as Chrysler used. I try to stick with factory parts on some things, if possible.

 

[hemi71x]

My .02 cents worth on the subject of replacement UCA's is go and purchase them.
Nothing wrong with them in my opinion, as i still do lots in the rebuilding of both LCA's, and UCA's.

 

[Tony Tee]

I would clean them first and see if they are in good shape. They might clean up real nice if they are greasy. But if rusty and heavily pitted? I would buy new.

 

[Don Frelier]

They aren't quite as heavy as the original and the upper ball joint is likely not real great.
Carefully check the bushings that come with them.
(I had a couple loose ones right out of the box)

All that said the uppers don't really see the work of the lower but keep the wheel aligned.

 

[wldgtx]

I would clean them first and see if they are in good shape. They might clean up real nice if they are greasy. But if rusty and heavily pitted? I would buy new.

That is the situation. They are extremely rusty and pitted. Thanks for the response.

 

[dodgeboy440]

So a friend of mine is restoring a 69RR, he took the front upper control arms off and realized he needs to do a large clean up/restore of them as well as add new ball joints and bushings. He called me last night and asked "Should I just buy new stock replacements?"

I was not sure how to reply to that? Are the new stock replacements the same as original? Same gage steel? Is there a reason why NOT to simply replace with new stock replacements? I did a quick search last night and saw they are readily available from various sources including Classic Industries.

Thoughts?

Here’s some Suggestions…..

“ New & Improved “….

Mopar2ya!

John

 

[Don Frelier]

Check with @Big bill if you're interested in factory arms. He has a pretty good parts car.