Alternate upper control arms

Tiny
CRUISE5020
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 2.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 201,000 MILES
The upper control arms are bad I cannot find replacements everyone that I find the screw in ball joints the thread is worn out. So every time I put one in the ball joint pops loose. Is there a alternate control arm I can use that is either pressed screwed or riveted in place to where I don't have to worry about them popping out? A mechanic suggested welding in place to help the worn out threads hold the ball joint I'm at wits end and don't want to junk my truck. The picture is of the last control arm failure the ball joint came out and did not notice until I went for alignment ruined the third ball joint and this upper control arm. Please help. Can I use the second gen upper control arm or if not a suitable replacement. Thank you
Saturday, December 14th, 2019 AT 7:43 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,320 POSTS
Hi,

I have owned Dakotas for the past 20 years. There is no optional ball joint. Where all have you tried finding a good control arm?
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Saturday, December 14th, 2019 AT 8:15 PM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I'm Danny.

Have you tried a local aftermarket 4x4 parts store? I would think a place like 4WheelParts could answer your question or put you in contact with somebody. Let me know if you have any further question about this. I'll do more research. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
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Saturday, December 14th, 2019 AT 8:25 PM
Tiny
CRUISE5020
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
The last one was a junkyard component. I have looked at local parts retailers, online like Rock Auto and others. Local mechanics tell me I can't use 4x4 components unless convert everything else too like up and lower spindle and sway bar. I was told could fabricate on but it is a very expensive choice.
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Saturday, December 14th, 2019 AT 8:50 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,320 POSTS
Have you tried the online salvage yard locators? Plus, I just looked on craigslist and there is a 94 2wd for parts. I have no idea where you are located, but I know you should be able to find one used.

Joe
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Saturday, December 14th, 2019 AT 10:50 PM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello again.

As you can see the aftermarkets are available but kind of pricey. These are pretty tough but expensive. Picture attached below. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.
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Saturday, December 14th, 2019 AT 11:29 PM

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