building control arms: parts and questions.. please

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building control arms: parts and questions.. please
Dejavu avatar
Dejavu
+1y
i am going to build some upper control arms for my toyota clip and i was wondering how to get the shaft out of the stock arm to build off of. its the shaft that bolts to the mount on the frame that im talking about. or can i buy just shafts? what do most peopel use to build new control arms for the toyota 2wd's. also what about ball joints... should i use the stock ones or should i get these type of ball joint that they use on the mustang ii clips ( http://www.streetrodparts.tv/400nova-axle-assmbly.gif )? i am not familiar with different types of balljoints and all, any advice helps.. thanks
TwistedMinis avatar
TwistedMinis
+1y
When I removed cross shafts, I cut the stock arm off of them. Technically, you're supposed to press the bushing and cup out of the arm itself, but I couldnt figure out a good way to do so, so I cut it apart.

When I made my last set of arms I used the screw in style balljoint.You can get them from Speedway Motors, along with the balljoint sleeves. They fit perfectly into the Toyota spindles. I also used heaims for adjustment, and made new upper mounts.
laidout94toy avatar
laidout94toy
+1y
I just got mine from CandoSpecialties.com
But they do have the same screw in ball joint as this picture. Oh and these arms come with new shafts, and there pretty too!
I still have to put them in.
Dejavu avatar
Dejavu
+1y
yea i figrued id just have to cut my arms as well.. i didnt know if they sold just shafts anywhere.....hmmm...i like the look of the ones your talking about but i don know anythign about them yet.do those balljoints get the same amount of play as the stock ones? i want to make sure they wont bind.
Dejavu avatar
Dejavu
+1y
the reason im building my own is because i lengthened my control arms an inch ... it didnt come out really good looking so i want to build so tubular ones.
TwistedMinis avatar
TwistedMinis
+1y
I get about 13" of travel from laid out, with a little play in each direction.
streetsweeper1 avatar
streetsweeper1
+1y
As far as the toyota shafts, You would be better off building new mounts like Seth said. The bushings, heims or whatever you decide to use will mount directly on top of the frame and will change your goemetry for the better. On the upper control arm on a toyota if you want budget you can buy these arms and then thread in the rod ends:

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/xq/aspx/display_id.2124/itemNo.howe/qx/Product.htm

I did this front clip and welded those on this truck:
http://www.streetsourcemag.com/uploads/Ownerprofiles/slamedtoyota/1011200685147PM40261.jpg

one of the main disadvantages is the ugly bolt in ball joint.
TwistedMinis avatar
TwistedMinis
+1y
Thats why I built my own, the balljoint. Those also look like they aren't really the right length Kyle. The threads look like there isnt much left to go.

I got my tube adapters from Ballistic Fabrication. I just slipped them into the tubing. Made it really easy.
bodydropped85 avatar
bodydropped85
+1y
s10 ball joints for the uppers, they get more travel. youll have to put some washers between the castle nut and spindle tho.
TwistedMinis avatar
TwistedMinis
+1y
I'm pretty sure S10 balljoints are a different taper than Toyotas.