While I applaud you for your offer, I wouldn't re-use suspension parts that have rust holes in them. You are asking for disaster by doing that.

I also found that the uppers had quite a bit of rust on them but as of a month ago when I last checked they were still solid on mine.

 

I agree with you about the rust. My trailing arms looked worse than what they actually were and I could have left them in there longer. There were no rust holes on either arm. At the time, I was more concerned about the part of the arm that was hidden by the frame mounting bracket. I only have one of the old trailing arms as I ended up destroying the drivers side one during removal. Since I had the new parts available and I had the time I replaced them.

 

Aah, mine actually had rust holes in both sides of the axle mount on the trailing arms. I don't recall having any issues with getting the new ones in and I did them one at a time. I did remove the track bar so the axle could move forward and backward as needed. I vaguely recall having to pound out the bolt on the drivers side but I didn't have to cut it. I think I put it back in the other way though. Its been a while.

 

Can someone whom has replaced their old lower control arms with the new longers arms post the center to center bolt hole length of the new arms? I am thinking about making my own but I want to make sure that they are the upgraded length.

Mine are perfect, no rust what so ever but I have the nasty 70 mph + vibration so I want to try the longer arms and see if it resolves this problem.

John

 

I don't think that the longer arms are going to cause your vibration. Have you checked the u-joints on all drive shafts? Wheel balance? Hubs?

 

I have checked the tires multiple times (multiple sets) and I have checked the U-joints as well (2wd). All good.

From what I understand the reason ford went to the updated longer arms was to correct a pinion angle problem that was linked to higher speed vibrations. Anything 70 mph and under smooth as glass. Over 70 mph to speed limiter (yeah I was curious if it would drive through the vibration) there is a vibration in the bottom of the seat and console.

John

 

I just got on ebay and seen some for 250 shipped.To the guy with the used ones ill gladly take them off your hands,both of mine have holes in them and i tow alot,i know this is damgerous but ive been over 80 mph on some crappy back roads wanting to see if it would break,so far so good.

Also to the guy whos friend got the new ones,if they only cost 60 i will buy both,i went and asked my ford buy and they wanted 150 or so each!

Ill weld up on my rusty ones first!

These need to be replaced asap-help a guy out!

 

Any chance you can help me out and measure your new longer lowers?

John

 

Sure. I will have the truck in the shop tomorrow night to check out the brakes. I'll lift up the rear and take a gander for ya.

 

Thanks man, I really appreciate it.

John

 

Just tale a tape measure and put it in the middle of the bolt to the other bolt,that link i provided may tell you that also,im thinking 21.5-i found the info somewhere.
I WANT TO BUY A GOOD SET,someone help a guy out!

 

I just measured the trailing arm. 20.5" from the center of the bolt in the front to the center of the bolt on the rear.

 

Thanks man I owe you one. I measured my -AA (original arms) at 20.34" center to center. Apperantly the new ones are only 0.150" longer.

I quickly measured the pinion angle and it looks like it is about 3.5 deg. I will double check that before and after I get the new arms on. Again, thanks man I appreciate your help and taking the time to measure them for me.

Thanks

John

 

Do you need any other measurements? I will be doing brakes on the truck this weekend and I will be in the shop.

 

I think I am good now. I just needed a good accurate center to center length. I got all of the other measurements I need off of my current arms. Hopefully i will get these made maybe this weekend or next. I still need to find a powder coater by me; I think there are a few so that shouldn't be too hard.

Again thanks for your help.

John