• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

One piece upper control arm?


bruker

Member
Joined
Apr 4, 2009
Messages
242
Reaction score
11
Points
18
Location
Western, Ohio
Vehicle Year
2003
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
4.0
Transmission
Automatic
The upper ball joints on my `03 are getting bad so I've been looking at upper control arms. Some places are selling a one piece upper arm for the right side and others have the two piece section. Would using the one piece arm limit the ability to properly align the wheels?
 


pjtoledo

pjtoledo

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Oct 5, 2007
Messages
5,370
Reaction score
2,959
Points
113
Location
Toledo Ohio
Vehicle Year
20002005199
Make / Model
Fords
Engine Size
3.0 2.3
no. you do have to install the camber bolt/cam kit though.
 

bruker

Member
Joined
Apr 4, 2009
Messages
242
Reaction score
11
Points
18
Location
Western, Ohio
Vehicle Year
2003
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
4.0
Transmission
Automatic
I thought the stock control arm bolts already have that feature...
 

don4331

Well-Known Member
V8 Engine Swap
Joined
Sep 6, 2013
Messages
2,023
Reaction score
1,343
Points
113
Location
Calgary, AB
Vehicle Year
1999
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.3
Transmission
Automatic
bruker said:
I thought the stock control arm bolts already have that feature...
Click to expand...
Stock control arms on all the 98+ Rangers I have worked on have the camber bolt/cam. Now when you lift/lower your Ranger, they might not have adequate travel so you may need aftermarket ones.

The 2 piece control arm is used to adjust caster. Assuming Ford built your Ranger within tolerance/you haven't modified (lifted/lowered) your truck, you should be able to align it. Camber and toe-in/out being the much more important setting.

You will just be "stuck" with the caster as per manufactured.
 
pjtoledo

pjtoledo

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Oct 5, 2007
Messages
5,370
Reaction score
2,959
Points
113
Location
Toledo Ohio
Vehicle Year
20002005199
Make / Model
Fords
Engine Size
3.0 2.3
bruker said:
I thought the stock control arm bolts already have that feature...
Click to expand...

nope. some came with squares that firmly locked the bolt between the end tabs on the frame mounts. the squares came in lots of "sizes", the hole would be a bit farther offset on each different one. Ford would set the upper arm at proper alignment, then choose the correct alignment square to lock in the alignment.

I'm thinking my 2005 had those squares. the '99 I recently dismantled had cams on the bolts, no idea if they were factory or aftermarket.
 

bruker

Member
Joined
Apr 4, 2009
Messages
242
Reaction score
11
Points
18
Location
Western, Ohio
Vehicle Year
2003
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
4.0
Transmission
Automatic
OK, I replaced the control arms yesterday and it went pretty smooth. Unfortunately there were no cam bolts or square washers. I marked the locations of the bolts and got everything back in pretty much the same place and the truck drives fine with no pulling to the side whatsoever. I'm getting new tire soon and will get it aligned but I'd like to get some camber bolt/cams in there before I get it aligned. I need to get two for each side, correct?
 
pjtoledo

pjtoledo

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Oct 5, 2007
Messages
5,370
Reaction score
2,959
Points
113
Location
Toledo Ohio
Vehicle Year
20002005199
Make / Model
Fords
Engine Size
3.0 2.3
most kits come with 2 sets, so you should get 2 kits. you want cams in each position for maximum adjust capability.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Staff online

Members online

Total: 821 (members: 9, guests: 812)

Today's birthdays

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Latest posts

Truck of The Month


Shran
April Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

Latest Album Photos

Hunters
20240409_190831.jpg
20240409_190818.jpg
20240409_180824.jpg
20240409_182648.jpg
20240409_181010.jpg
20240408_175026.jpg
99 Ranger
20200706_161414.jpg
20240207_155117.jpg
20240207_155111.jpg
20240207_154537 - Copy.jpg

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top