SaltyCajun Mechanics

[swamp snorkler]

What causes upper control arms to go bad? My tire shop told me I needed to get them replaced

[Jordan]

wide tires. Turning the wheel while not in motion. Unbalances tires. Minimal Maintenance. Easy to do on just about any vehicle, but I think it requires an alignment afterwards.

[swamp snorkler]

Its an 08 GMC Sierra 1500, 72,500 miles, Tire Shop wants $550 to replace them.

Parts are only $60 http://www.carparts.com/results/?Ntt...l&N=0&uts=true

[meaux fishing]

how much do you like working on cars? Heres the how to if you're interested

How To: Replacing 07-09 NNBS Upper Control Arms (GMT 900) - Chevy Truck Forum | GMC Truck Forum - GmFullsize.com

How To: Replacing 07-09 NNBS Upper Control Arms (GMT 900) - Chevy Truck Forum | GMC Truck Forum - GmFullsize.com

[meaux fishing]

Its been my experience everytime I work on the front end of a vehicle I get pissed off and say to myself "why didnt I just pay to have this done"?!?!?

[swamp snorkler]

It doesn't look that hard on the write up that dude did. Maybe I'll see if my neighbor wants to help me out with it, He builds 4x4's so he knows what he's doing.

[Goooh]

Originally Posted by swamp snorkler

It doesn't look that hard on the write up that dude did. Maybe I'll see if my neighbor wants to help me out with it, He builds 4x4's so he knows what he's doing.

Nothing is hard, just unfamiliar or uncomfortable.

Wait, wrong thread...

[wtretrievers]

Me & my boys have done a couple of their Z71's older models tho, 97-99's, wasn't bad at all, I adjusted the camber by eye then took to tire shop to make sure camber & front end is aligned correct.

[bgizzle]

Originally Posted by wtretrievers

Me & my boys have done a couple of their Z71's older models tho, 97-99's, wasn't bad at all, I adjusted the camber by eye then took to tire shop to make sure camber & front end is aligned correct.

In my exp. and as said previous to quote aligning front end after initial adjustment is key.

[swamp snorkler]

Well i got my truck home, jacked up the front end and they do have slack in them. I'm about to order my parts and as soon they come I'm going to change them out with the help of my neighbor, should save a couple hundred dollars.

[swamp snorkler]

You think these are any good?.......

http://www.1aauto.com/1A/ControlArms...72/667983/2008

[Montauk17]

I worked on vehicles at a shop for 4 years and no it is not hard to change when you have all the correct tools. Air tools and a lift make the job so much easier and faster. Now that I sold most of my tools and don't have access to a lift I just pay a shop to do any front end work. It can be done on the ground but it is a pain in the azz. If you have plenty of extra time go for it,if not you will be better off letting a shop do it. As far as aftermarket parts the only ones I would buy is moog. You will pay more for them but you get what you pay for.

[Jordan]

Moog X2

[swamp snorkler]

Originally Posted by Montauk17

I worked on vehicles at a shop for 4 years and no it is not hard to change when you have all the correct tools. Air tools and a lift make the job so much easier and faster. Now that I sold most of my tools and don't have access to a lift I just pay a shop to do any front end work. It can be done on the ground but it is a pain in the azz. If you have plenty of extra time go for it,if not you will be better off letting a shop do it. As far as aftermarket parts the only ones I would buy is moog. You will pay more for them but you get what you pay for.

Moog isn't that much more than these, I'll order them. As far as the lift we don't have one but we do have air tools and 4 floor jacks. I can save $300 doing it myself - a 12 pack of beer.

[Montauk17]

I hear ya...go for it. Moog is the way to go,I find they are better than some OEM parts.

[Jordan]

moog hold up better than most OEM parts like Ryan stated. I agree. Had a 4x4 ford with moog front end parts. Broke everything else except them

[la_suthrn_soldier]

Moog is all i use and i have rebuilt two chevy front ends and a jeep grand cherokee front end, all lifted 4x4's, all done under my carport with a jack and hand tools..... Just be patient and BE SURE TO SPRAY PENERANT ON THE OLD NUTS THE DAY BEORE YOU WORK ON IT... you will thank me...

Oh and NAPA carries the MOOG line. Hope that helps.

Corey

[swamp snorkler]

I changed them out 3 1/2 months ago. It was pretty easy. Took about 1 1/2 hours total.

[Lake Chuck Duck]

Last time I had the shop change my brakes out they told me that I had slack in my control arms. I opted not to have them change them at the time, but I feel I may have to cross that road again soon.

By the way my my truck is also an '08 GM, but a chevy.

[swamp snorkler]

It aint to har LCD, common problem with GMs of that ERA. Look at the tuttorial posted above and you'll see. Also, if you leave them like that it's going to wear your tires out much quicker.