1970Ragtop

I have a question, I pulled out my lower control arms to replace the bushings. After I got that done I went to replace my lower ball joints. It seems the last person who owned this cat 15 yrs ago welded the ball joint in place on both sides. So here is the question, Are the Goodmark control arms at rockauto.com a good quality? I was also looking a Southwest speed. I am going with the stock style and not the tubular control arm. Or is there any other ones you would recommend?

oldcutlass

Are they just tacked in or welded all the way around? If they are just tacked, you can grind it off, install the new ball joint and tack it again. Also if the ball joint is not worn but the boots are bad, you can just replace the boots.

Another choice vs Goodmark is to find a set of used OEM replacements from one of the guys on here.

joe_padavano

Tack welding is not uncommon if the ball joints are a little loose in the arms. Frankly, once the suspension is assembled, the ball joint is in tension anyway and can't come loose.

1970Ragtop

No they did a good job of welding the ball joint to the control arm.

joe_padavano

Ugh! No reason to do that at all.

1970Ragtop

I agree.

1970Ragtop

Thank you oldspackrat for selling me a couple of control arms. So now I am not in need of control arms anymore.

oldcutlass

Glad you got what you need, we are a helpful group. The used arms are better than the repops in my opinion and less expensive..