lower control arms
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lower control arms
I have a 99 Expedition with 98k on it. I was pulling out of the supermarket on Wednesday and I her a pop. I get out to take a look, and both lower control arms have snapped. I do know this is a common problem, my question has to do with the repair. I had it towed to my mechanic, and he said it would be $850 with parts and labor. I am unfortunately not that knowledgeable about this, but from the little I do know, that seems a bit high to me. Am I wrong?
Fleet Owner
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If you do it yourself, the arms are $125 with shipping, plus you need the 4 new nuts and bolts, which are like another 25 bucks or so. I've changed them both on jack stands in 2 hours or less. So he's either charging you $350 an hour for labor or he's significantly overpaying for the parts. If he gives you a story about having to drop the gas tank because of the front driver's side bolt, tell him we all just loosen the nut enough to fit a sawzall blade in and cut the head off that one bolt. The new bolt then goes back in the opposite direction.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/130705949778?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
http://www.ebay.com/itm/130705949778?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Fleet Owner
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Here are the nuts and bolts you need (4 nuts, 4 bolts) Early models took a 14mm bolt then they switched to 16mm bolts. The easiest way to check the diameter is to slide a 14mm wrench on it. If it goes on they're 14mm if it won't they're 16mm.
Nuts: https://www.boltdepot.com/Product-De...x?product=6887
14mm bolts: https://www.boltdepot.com/Product-De...x?product=6790
or
16mm bolts: https://www.boltdepot.com/Product-De...x?product=6803
Nuts: https://www.boltdepot.com/Product-De...x?product=6887
14mm bolts: https://www.boltdepot.com/Product-De...x?product=6790
or
16mm bolts: https://www.boltdepot.com/Product-De...x?product=6803
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The damage is in the back. Honestly, I am a little confused. While I was trying to do some research, it seems to be referred to differently. I have seen rear trailing arms, rear lower trailing control arms, and lower rear control arms. My mechanic referred to them as rear lower control arms, so that is what I have been searching for.
I wish I knew more about working my my expedition, I would save so much money. Unfortunately I don't think I have the know how or the tools to do it myself.
I will be heading over there tomorrow to speak with him. I will discus the things you mentioned and hopefully find the parts cheaper. Someone recommended these (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 FORD EXPEDITION LOWER REAR CONTROL ARMS | pmtfabrication.com). Are they a good brand?
I wish I knew more about working my my expedition, I would save so much money. Unfortunately I don't think I have the know how or the tools to do it myself.
I will be heading over there tomorrow to speak with him. I will discus the things you mentioned and hopefully find the parts cheaper. Someone recommended these (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 FORD EXPEDITION LOWER REAR CONTROL ARMS | pmtfabrication.com). Are they a good brand?
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Proctorsville VT
(1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 FORD EXPEDITION LOWER REAR CONTROL ARMS | pmtfabrication.com). Are they a good brand?
Use the search function thoroughly and you will learn a ton about the common problems owners experience with these trucks.
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Fleet Owner
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Everything I posted above was for the back/rear lower control/trailing arms.
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I just replaced mine . you will need no special tools 1/2 drive socket set and a breaker bar .
I had to cut the bolt head off on the gas tank side other then that took me an hour or so.
And I have a 30% loss of my left arm so any one can do this .
other tools needed jack, jack stand and a ratchet strap to pull the rear to line up the bolt holes.
I bought my lower arms on Amazon with the bolts for just over 100 bucks with free shipping .
Have your truck towed home if its not done by now and you will still save .
I had to cut the bolt head off on the gas tank side other then that took me an hour or so.
And I have a 30% loss of my left arm so any one can do this .
other tools needed jack, jack stand and a ratchet strap to pull the rear to line up the bolt holes.
I bought my lower arms on Amazon with the bolts for just over 100 bucks with free shipping .
Have your truck towed home if its not done by now and you will still save .
Fleet Owner
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That's the best deal yet. Got the link to share with others that might need them?
New User
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i used a cordless sawsall with a medal blade nothing special .
Amazon link
Amazon link
New User
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trail arm bolts
guys do the bolts really need to be 10.9 steel?? or is there a more common cheaper alternative ? I think the frame will fall off before I can bend a lesser steel,if I want to what to look for ??
thank u guys
thank u guys
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