1999-2002 Rusted TRAILING ARMS

[skeeter9]

I thought I would pass along my experience with replacing rusted lower control arms. I have a 1999 Expedition. The new set is about 3/8" longer. I contacted FORD parts and they stated the replacement arms are longer than original and must replace the arms in pairs. The PN I have is F85Z-5A649-BA. New trailing arms can be purchased on ebay for $100+ with new hardware. Trailing arms also called control arms.

I attached photos of my old bars. The bars were rusted, barely supporting axle. Best to replace the bars with any evidence of rusted through the sides.

The new bars are slightly longer. Replace both sides at the same time. The rear axle can not be pushed back unless both sides are disconnected.

 

[pavaojc]

Did you notice they were rusty and that's why you replaced them or was there some indication in the truck's performance that alerted you to their failure? My 2000 XLT is my first 4X4 (I've only had it about four months) and my first full size SUV, so I don't really know a lot about the suspension. Thanks!

 

[48dually]

I made new control arms for my '99 xlt. the way I noticed was when you drove the truck and turned or swerved in the road you could feel the back kind of swaying you might say. just didn't feel tight, almost like the back end wasn't tracking straight. my trailing arms actually had holes in them so for the top ones I used round tubing and 1x1 square tubing and the bottom used round tubing and 1x2 square tubing. then stick welded them together with 6013 rods came out real well and are stronger than the originals. also wont rust out as fast
Jamison

 

[Petesexpy]

Did you notice they were rusty and that's why you replaced them or was there some indication in the truck's performance that alerted you to their failure? My 2000 XLT is my first 4X4 (I've only had it about four months) and my first full size SUV, so I don't really know a lot about the suspension. Thanks!

I looked at mine during a brake job and noticed holes rusted through. I bought a set on e-bay for a $100. Did this with both upper and lower arms. If the arms break of, you will be picking up your rear axle and wheels from the road. So, you better replace them soon.

 

[FordandPolaris]

Did you notice they were rusty and that's why you replaced them or was there some indication in the truck's performance that alerted you to their failure? My 2000 XLT is my first 4X4 (I've only had it about four months) and my first full size SUV, so I don't really know a lot about the suspension. Thanks!

Seeing as you live in Wisconsin you probably have small rust holes through the control arms on the end closest to the rear axle. The road salt gets pressed into the opening on the bottom and just eats them from the inside out. I had quarter-size holes in mine when I finally replaced them with a set from PMT that are a solid tube setup. It was a terrible design from the start. The only reason I can think for using it was to save money on material.

You can inspect them visually and see if they are faulty. My upper ones are fine, only my lowers were bad.

 

[1997SCEBFEX]

I made new control arms for my '99 xlt. the way I noticed was when you drove the truck and turned or swerved in the road you could feel the back kind of swaying you might say. just didn't feel tight, almost like the back end wasn't tracking straight. my trailing arms actually had holes in them so for the sop ones I used tubing and 1x1 square tubing and the bottom used tubing and 1x2 square tubing. then stick welded them together with 6013 rods came out real well and are stronger than the originals. also wont rust out as fast
Jamison

did you take pics & perhaps post them? great ingenuity IMHO.

PanHandler.

 

[48dually]

no I didn't sadly, I wasn't apart of this forum a month ago. they were very easy tho only spent $40 on metal. when it gets back from the shop ill take a pic of them.
Jamison

 

[Pedition2000]

How hard was it to change out yourself?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[gunslinger929]

did all of mine a few months ago. not mechanically difficult, just nuts n bolts, but due to rust/age, physically challenging. resorted to sawzall and a torch for a few of the bolts.

 

[48dually]

I used a cut off wheel to cut stuck bolts most came off easy. was a little difficult lining up the axle with the arms, I used new bolts as I figured replacing the arms mind as well replace the bolts. make sure to use grade 8 bolts.

 

[skeeter9]

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