Rear Upper Control Arm

I have to replace the rear upper arm bushings on my 2003 expedition. I have searched but cannot find the bushings or the complete new arm. I only find the rear lower arm. Why is that? Can I use the front upper arm bushings or another model? Do I have to resign myself and install a used arm? I will appreciate if you give me advice or suggestions. Thank you.

I have been pondering what I'll do when the time comes for new rear control arms for some time. I cannot find any quality rear lower control arms and no uppers are available. Not sure what we'll do when the time comes. Currently I have 2 ideas, literally ditch the vehicle or do a solid axle swap in the rear which would likely end up being a solid axle swap in the front as well and would require replacing the entire suspension system and several inches of lift to accommodate.

The local dealers said sorry we have nothing so just buy a new vehicle.

I also was unable to find a shop in the area willing to press out/in bushings in the front aluminum control arms when I need had to replace those. So I thought about trying to do so myself, but if they insist the arms will break it's unlikely I'd have much luck on my first try at it. RockAuto does have the outer bushing at the knuckle for the upper, but not the inner bushings.

I would love to hear ideas from others on this issue. The lack of parts availability for anything kinda newer is one reason my next vehicle will be another 78 Bronco. Every part of the 78-79 Bronco's is available, not to mention they are stupid easy to work on and tough as nails.

So in my notes I had that the Navigator rear upper control arms are still available. Not sure if they will fit and I have not done research into this, though I should have. Anyway, it might be worth a look for ya.

Passenger side rear upper, though it is $582:

Drivers side is now discontinued, but maybe you can find one. When I went looking for rear CV axles I found a dealer that was willing to search for me. He found 3 available at a deal er in Wisconsin and I was able to get a pair from them.

This should replace the upper control arm to knuckle bushing:
MOOG K80212

Here's the part numbers I gathered for the rear arms and knuckles for my EB originally with air suspension.

Control arm upper right rear 5L1Z5500A
Control arm upper left rear 5L1Z5500C
Control arm upper Navigator 5L1Z5500B (Pass side) & D (Driver side)
Control arm lower right rear air-susp 6L1Z5A649CA
Control arm lower left rear 6L1Z5A649AA
Control arm lower right rear std-susp 6L1Z5A649AB
Knuckle right 6l1Z-5A968-A
Kunckle left 6L1Z-5A969-A

Who told you the upper control arm bushing(s) needed to be replaced ? How many miles are on the Expy? What symptoms are you having? If this was a common replacement item it would be out there aftermarket. Usually the only wear point is the upper and lower bushing at the knuckle itself. The lower bushing carries the entire load in the rear end. The upper is there just to keep everything straight.

Hamfisted said:

Who told you the upper control arm bushing(s) needed to be replaced ? How many miles are on the Expy? What symptoms are you having? If this was a common replacement item it would be out there aftermarket. Usually the only wear point is the upper and lower bushing at the knuckle itself. The lower bushing carries the entire load in the rear end. The upper is there just to keep everything straight.

Click to expand...

Hey Hamfisted,

I have play in my rear suspension with noises similar to what I was getting up front, until I replaced everything. I'm having to get the Navi (04) aligned for a 3rd time but before doing that, I want to make sure the rear end is tight, as well.

Rockauto marks the K80213 as the bushings "at the knuckle", so I'm assuming these are the ones you were referring to but wanted to reconfirm?

Also: I can't find the 3rd, larger bushing with the lip that you can see on picture in the bottom left.



I'm assuming it's not sold separately / available because it doesn't usually wear out as you mentioned above but was curious if you can confirm this, since the arms have to come out completely for the knuckle-side bushing replacement, anyway and then might as well.

Thanks!

whtbronco said:

So in my notes I had that the Navigator rear upper control arms are still available. Not sure if they will fit and I have not done research into this, though I should have. Anyway, it might be worth a look for ya.

Passenger side rear upper, though it is $582:

2003-2006 Lincoln Navigator Upper Control Arm - Passenger Side (RH) 5L1Z-5500-B | TascaParts.com

2003-2006 Lincoln Navigator part # 5L1Z-5500-B - Upper Control Arm - Passenger Side (RH)

www.tascaparts.com

Drivers side is now discontinued, but maybe you can find one. When I went looking for rear CV axles I found a dealer that was willing to search for me. He found 3 available at a deal er in Wisconsin and I was able to get a pair from them.

This should replace the upper control arm to knuckle bushing:
MOOG K80212

More Information for MOOG K80212

Click to expand...

Detroit Axle they have everything you need and everything you could ask for Detroit Axle I know it's not Ford Motorcraft but it's the next best thing and carries a lifetime warranty and fortunately it is made in China but it looks pretty well constructed

I've never tried Detroit Axle, but they don't appear to have a listing for rear control arms for the 03-06 Expedition/Navigator.