lower ball joints

[Kevin]

Can they be replaced, or do I need to buy a whole lower control arm?

If they can be replaced, are they the same part as the Cougar/Tbird (E9SZ-3050-A)?

 

[RedCellSix]

The last part on my 94 Mark to be replaced was your part. It was one piece. The lower control arm includes two bushings and a ball joint. I got it from our LVC sponsor, Max, at 5 Star Ford. I saves something close to $50 off the top of my head, even with shipping. You must be a Gold Member for the discount however. In addition to helping our club, you get great discounts on parts. Finally, and you probably already know this, you will need a front end alignment when you are done. Also, if you look under our tech section for Mark VIII's , there are instructions on how to do it. Good Luck. Gary in Elmira.

 

[96hotrodlincoln]

Kevin, the part number is different from the Tbird but the controls arms are basically the same. They look a little different but are the same length and size. You don't have to be a gold member to get the better cost from Max, just tell him you're from LVC. I suggest checking out Rockauto.com. They're pricing the T-bird LCA's for $58.79 a piece. Whereas the the LCA's for the Mark VIII's are listed for $130.79 a piece. You'll pay a little shipping but their prices are pretty competitive.

I recommend using either MOOG or TRW parts. Those are the OEM parts and you'll typically get the most life out of those. You can replace just the ball joints if you want. Realize thought that there is one bushing in the LCA's that cannot be replaced, so you're almost better off just replacing the whole LCA.

 

[Rich88LSC]

I recommend using either MOOG or TRW parts. Those are the OEM parts and you'll typically get the most life out of those. You can replace just the ball joints if you want. Realize thought that there is one bushing in the LCA's that cannot be replaced, so you're almost better off just replacing the whole LCA.

+1 and the t bird arms as so cheap there is no point in replacing just the ball joint. If you have the typical mileage or even just the age these cars are at now it's a good bet the bushings are not in any better shape anyway.

 

[mespock]

Kevin, the part number is different from the Tbird but the controls arms are basically the same. They look a little different but are the same length and size. You don't have to be a gold member to get the better cost from Max, just tell him you're from LVC. I suggest checking out Rockauto.com. They're pricing the T-bird LCA's for $58.79 a piece. Whereas the the LCA's for the Mark VIII's are listed for $130.79 a piece. You'll pay a little shipping but their prices are pretty competitive.

I recommend using either MOOG or TRW parts. Those are the OEM parts and you'll typically get the most life out of those. You can replace just the ball joints if you want. Realize thought that there is one bushing in the LCA's that cannot be replaced, so you're almost better off just replacing the whole LCA.

exactly You can check with Max a 5 star ask him the price for a 96 T-Bird and see how it compares to the Mark VIII.. and Rock Auto... If if you get Aftermarket get the MOOG which should be TRW parts... I've had my MOOG stamped TRW

 

[mrzeee]

Hi Guys...thank you for the referrals!!
The tbirds are F5SZ-3078/79-A listing for 153.68 LVC is 110.65
The mark is P/N F3LY-3078/79-A listing for 225.77 and lvc $162.55
Thant is each plus shipping. The mark has a little more mass to it.

 

[Kevin]

So the difference is only in 'beefyness'? The Tbird LCA will bolt in properly?

I'm all for trying different sources, but anytime I order out of the states the price is about double with extra shipping charges, duty, brokerage, etc.

I'll just bite the bullet, and pay a few bucks more for one locally.

Any particular year for the Tbird LCA?

BTW Gary, which state/province is Elmira in? There's one about an hour from me, up by Waterloo.

 

[mrzeee]

gary is south of you in NY...Elmira NY

 

[Rich88LSC]

I have t bird lower control arms. no problems at all. Any mn12 tbird will work. 89- i think 97

 

[mafioso]

I changed mine out and they werent too hard to change out, Although I had to go for an alignment ASAP.

 

[RedCellSix]

Thx Max. lol.

 

[Kevin]

Heh, yep - maybe a state behind Elmira would clear up some confusion .

I've been through there a few times, running between Bingotown and Rochester. Can't specifically remember your town, but remember how nice the scenery was in that general area.

OK, thanks very much for the info guys, I will be buying a new MN12 part!

Alignments can be avoided by marking the bolts/plates before removal, have done this on the Cougar before, you never know parts were out. Not that I'm too cheap to do one (although I am), but there may be more parts to change shortly that affect alignment such as tie rod ends.