Which control arms to get?

[Will123]

So I have a 2016 5.7 with a 4 inch zone off-road lift(if that matters) My lower driver side ball joint squeals like crazy and my passenger side one is going as well. I am going to replace both upper and lower control arms and my mechanic recommended OEM control arms but for all 4 they cost nearly $1400. That plus labor would put me over 2 grand and I am not too keen on that price tag. Any recommendations for control arm brands? I’m not very educated on what’s good and what’s bad when it comes to trucks and parts so any recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[Burla]

This is the one case you don't want OEM for, but I have forgotten the choices for the 5.7 to be honest. I'd first research if there are any options for "replaceable" ball joints for the 5.7, which I'm not sure they have but I do believe they have them for solid axle rams. At least see if they are out there.

The replaceable ones I have in mind you don't need to machine out, just bolt ONS.

 

[Burla]

Something like this would be the direction I sent my research. Whenever they changed the control arms on 4th gens I think 2013ish or so, I believe the general consensus is you need after market control arms if you want the ball joints to last.

 

[Will123]

Thanks for the reply, and yes I agree the general consensus was that you’re best off getting new arms. I heard other people saying they replaced the ball joints with moog ones and they only lasted a year. That’s the reason I made this post because I was initially going to get moog control arms then I saw the negative things about their parts so now I’m unsure of which brand to go with

 

[mrack]

Mevotech, either standard or ttx depending on your budget.

 

[Jeepwalker]

A lot of people say the Mevotech Supreme product line in general, is excellent. Like OEM. I personally have not bought M/S Ram Control arms but maybe others can chime in who have. The word on most forums is Mevotech Standard are similar to other Chinesium products. Still good, but spring for the Supreme's if you can.

I wouldn't be afraid to go with the Delphi (used to be GM) or the Moog Premium's. So you have some choices

Since you have a lift, maybe now is the time to consider UCA's for a 2-4" lift??

 

[hunterdan]

A lot of people say the Mevotech Supreme product line in general, is excellent. Like OEM. I personally have not bought M/S Ram Control arms but maybe others can chime in who have. The word on most forums is Mevotech Standard are similar to other Chinesium products. Still good, but spring for the Supreme's if you can.

I wouldn't be afraid to go with the Delphi (used to be GM) or the Moog Premium's. So you have some choices

Since you have a lift, maybe now is the time to consider UCA's for a 2-4" lift??

If he's using a drop bracket lift, there's no need for control arms for a 2-4" level. The OEM style are all that is needed since the drop bracket kits utilize a longer spindle to retain oem suspension geometry.

 

[Daw14]

So I have a 2016 5.7 with a 4 inch zone off-road lift(if that matters) My lower driver side ball joint squeals like crazy and my passenger side one is going as well. I am going to replace both upper and lower control arms and my mechanic recommended OEM control arms but for all 4 they cost nearly $1400. That plus labor would put me over 2 grand and I am not too keen on that price tag. Any recommendations for control arm brands? I’m not very educated on what’s good and what’s bad when it comes to trucks and parts so any recommendations would be appreciated.

Try using the search engine on our site , lots of good information.

 

[Cwar1972]

From what I’ve been told years ago when I wanted to do a leveling kit on my 14 1500 the OEM controller arms limit the travel of the ball joints when the suspension geometry is changed. In other words the ball and socket range of motion with a lift kit max about the joint. You have to replace the control arms with aftermarket that are either adjustable or specifically designed lift kit ones. I was told that this issue started with the 13’s. I’m assuming that ram probably didn’t redesign the OEM parts to make things easier for modifications.

 

[mrack]

From what I’ve been told years ago when I wanted to do a leveling kit on my 14 1500 the OEM controller arms limit the travel of the ball joints when the suspension geometry is changed. In other words the ball and socket range of motion with a lift kit max about the joint. You have to replace the control arms with aftermarket that are either adjustable or specifically designed lift kit ones. I was told that this issue started with the 13’s. I’m assuming that ram probably didn’t redesign the OEM parts to make things easier for modifications.

That’s for levels. OP has a proper drop bracket lift like previously explained that retains factory geometry.

Also that’s definitely not a 2013+ thing. That’s the case with every ifs ever.

 

[06 Dodge]

Thanks for the reply, and yes I agree the general consensus was that you’re best off getting new arms. I heard other people saying they replaced the ball joints with moog ones and they only lasted a year. That’s the reason I made this post because I was initially going to get moog control arms then I saw the negative things about their parts so now I’m unsure of which brand to go with

Not sure what they have for the 1500 buy I put Moog HD greaseable ball joints in my 06 2500 HD w/CTD and never had problems with them...

 

[DILLIGAF]

For a lifted ram these are the 2 only options if you dont want issues ever again. ask me how I know

Uppers - Core 4x4
Lowers - TTX
Better start saving up for CV axles next

#liftedtruckproblems

lol...

 

[wcsgorilla]

Check into Detroit Axel. They specialize in suspension/driveline/brake pieces that meet or exceed OEM. And you can’t beat the prices.