Gen1 & 2 Suspension Interchange?

[Innocent Fool]

Looks like I've got to do some front end work on my 2002 LS V6.

Does any of the front end stuff interchange from Gen2 to Gen1?

Was pricing out parts and it looks like the upper ball joints for Gen1 only come with control arms & the lowers with the knuckles but the ball joints for Gen2 are separate. Can I swap in Gen2 control arms & knuckles so I don't have to replace them if the ball joints go out again? Can I swap anything else over from Gen2?

 

[FDR]

They are all interchangeable. No one sells separate upper ball joints. If they do, they shouldn't, because it's very risky pressing them into extremely thin aluminum. Most places won't even press them into the lowers.

Post links to what you've found so we have a better idea of what you're looking at

 

[elephantrider]

buy them as a unit.

 

[fudge12]

The upper ball joints should be replaced as a whole unit (along with the control arms).
So this would be what you need for the uppers:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Front-Upper-Control-Arms-w-Ball-Joints-Pair-Set-NEW-for-Ford-Jaguar-Lincoln-/310919840616?fits=Year%3A2000%7CMake%3ALincoln%7CModel%3ALS&hash=item4864444368&vxp=mtr

The lower ball joints on the steering knuckle, can be pressed out. I've had mine pressed out numerous times at my local shops.
Go with brand named parts such as moog, raybestos, etc...
I already had bad experiences with chinese "o.e" brand, proof is here
http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/forum/showthread.php?94310-Lookie-what-I-learned-today!-CHANGE-DEM-BALL-JOINTS!&highlight=change+dem+ball+joints

 

[Innocent Fool]

So I'm doing more digging and it looks like there might have been a change over in 03-12-2002 going from 14mm ball joint studs to 16mm. Looks like this only effects lower ball joints (Uppers stay the same?) Can anyone confirm this?

Build date for my car is 09/01 what size studs does it need?

 

[02LincLS]

Yes, lower should be 14mm in your case.
Upper is unchanged.
My car was built April 02 and has 16mm lower ball joint stud.

 

[oddball]

My '02 has 16mm lowers. Measure yours before buying.

 

[FDR]

Yes, I forgot to mention the LBJ stud size. There's some discrepancy as to whether the Sports were different from the nonSport LSes. As stated, measure it for yourself to be sure