ball joint vs control arms

[GLIDER]

I recently had my 82 spider inspected and it failed due to ball joints and tie-rod end on one side. I'm thinking about replacing the upper and lower control arms with new ones from IAP rather than replacing ball joints an tie-rod end on one side. My thought is it will help eliminate another visit to the front end in the near future and the bushings will be covered at the same time. I'm asking opinions as to wheather this is over kill or does it make sense to go the added expense?

[tglancy]

At the same time as I did the shock towers I replaced the A arms. You likely need new bushings also. By the time you count the labour to press in new bushings (assuming you do not have a press) it is about the same cost. You have to completely disassemble the front suspension to do the bushings. You will need a spring compresor. do not do it without.

I also replaces all the tie rod ends and toe in adjustment hardare at the same time.

Its just plain easier to start from scratch.

[GLIDER]

thanks for the info. , That's what I'm leaning towards. I've heard so much negative on material quality and I'd rather do it once and am hopeful that IAP's quality is good. I've been buying from them over the past couple of years and have been very pleased with the quality.

[jfrawley]

I did this exact repair last spring and I went for the new control arms, shocks, tie rods, and center stering connector from IAP. Very happy.

[ga.spyder]

I would absolutely replace the con arms as a loaded unit,if I was to do it over! I bought seperate components and by the time I was done I saved not one penny.Factor in the headaches and added labor...no contest.Spring for the complete units. I have never had a problem with any IAP parts.

[SpiderJim]

Just did my number two spider complete rebuild last week and will definitely order the A arms as a complete unit for the number one spider as the bushings are a bitch to get off and on and the small savings is not worth the effort. Got my suspension parts from IAP and also Vicks for other stuff as they are cheaper on prices.

[kristoj]

I did mine a couple of years ago. New upper and lower control arms, all four tie rods, shocks and new sway bar bushings. Makes a big difference in the handling.