Upper and Lower control arms on a 2500 dodge ram

[MuleShack]

My 05 Diesel has some loose arms on the top on both sides that are from plowing I'm assuming. They rattle when you grab them and the front end seems a little loose. I have not taken them off yet to look at it. The question is I shouldn't have to "replace" the arms right? I should only have to buy some bushing and grommets? Should I get new bolts as well or are the old bolts usually usable again?

[jeffreyd]

replace the bushings and bolts then take it in and have it aligned. Unless the arm is bent is the only way you would have to replace. Might have to have the bushings pushed in for you. I would do new shocks while it is apart also. good luck.

[randerson]

This is a common problem with the hd Ram worse with a cummins vs. hemi I would get new engery suspension bushings and add shocks as well and it should help out also consider a set of timbrens for the front with the plow to help extend the front end Check front axle joints as well as these have a lot of strees with the 4wd and plowing.

[MuleShack]

I replaced the front shocks last fall and just did both front bearings last week. That is when I noticed the loose arms.

I found a set of polyurethane bushings online from a performance place that are split and you push in from both sides which should be easier to install. I cant find anybody that has bolts with it unless you buy a kit with the arms and everything. Any ideas on the bolts?

[Valv]

I replaced the front shocks last fall and just did both front bearings last week. That is when I noticed the loose arms.

I found a set of polyurethane bushings online from a performance place that are split and you push in from both sides which should be easier to install. I cant find anybody that has bolts with it unless you buy a kit with the arms and everything. Any ideas on the bolts?

I hope you did not buy Napa SKF bearings.....

Anyway, since you have a snowwplow get some HD bushings. Many times taking the old one out is a pain.

[MuleShack]

Well I did get the bearings from Napa, but I got their top end ones for $300 a piece, not the cheap ones.

[MuleShack]

I hope you did not buy Napa SKF bearings.....

Anyway, since you have a snowwplow get some HD bushings. Many times taking the old one out is a pain.

I looked at the box and they were SKF. Care to elaborate on your statement. I had heard the cheap ones are junk but would expect the top end ones to be reliable.

Also, none of the bushings I have found online said HD, but they were specifically for a 2500. Any site specific info on where to look?

[Valv]

Weeelll.... I don't want to throw bad feedback or slam a company like NAPA, but I replaced my front right bearing (2006 Megacab 2500) that failed at 150,000 miles with a NAPA SKF, it lasted 3,000 miles and it failed again. Got another one in replacement ($ 265.00, no refunds), since installation my ABS sensor was bad (assembled with NAPA bearing), I replaced it with another and it's still bad, I suspect bearing sending gear is faulty. Now I have to face my 3rd wheel bearing after only 4000 miles. It WILL BE a stock Dodge, which is only $ 60 more than NAPA.

Again my experience is negative, with their wheel bearings, u-joints, and ball joints. I feel OEM is the only way now.

[MuleShack]

My brother always used to say that as well...anything drive train go OEM.

Truthfully, i only got one installed because I couldn't get the nut off the hub on the right side yet. Maybe I will take it back and get OEM and see which one fails first?

When I was in getting my bearings there was another guy in exchanging a set for a half ton chevy that were defective. He got the cheap ones i believe.

[311Hemi]

I installed SKF's on my 03' at 112k and 130k (one side then then other). I am at 140k without any issues. I purchased mine from Rock Auto for $200/each.

Rockauto also looks like they carry Raybestos, Moog, Timken, and value pro for under $200. Most of those were not available when I did mine.

[Macgyver55]

Hate to tell you but SKF is an OE supplier to many car manufacturers around the World.

SKF is also a major supplier of high quality components for the vehicle aftermarket.

From their HSOforum: "Nearly 90 million vehicles worldwide are riding on SKF wheel bearings and hub units. That’s more than all other brands combined."

"SKF VSM is certified according to ISO900:2000 complemented with QS-9000:3rd edition, ISO 9001:1994 edition, and ISO 9002:1994 edition. The QS 9000 standard caters to specific requirements set by General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler"

In addition, SKF also has a warning on their HSOforum warning that new low-quality bearings have been found to have been re-labeled with false brand markings and put into imitation packaging that appears identical to the real thing. Buying from a reputable dealer is important to avoid getting the knock-offs.

Not to accuse anyone, but proper installation is a necessity as the number one cause of replacement hub and bearing failure is improper torque, followed by installing them with an impact wrench.

[Valv]

Not to accuse anyone, but proper installation is a necessity as the number one cause of replacement hub and bearing failure is improper torque, followed by installing them with an impact wrench.

That's exactly right, Dodge center nut requires torqued in 2 phases, where the final is at 150lbs