Need to replace the front right lower control arm. I've searched and found them to be anywhere from $70 to $200. One thing I've noticed is that none of them come with a new ball joint. I figure since I've got it out, I'm gonna put in a new one but just wondering why no one includes it with the control arm. Any brand preference? I'd rather not buy something called "replacement brand, similar OE quality."

 

even from the dealer the lower control arms do not come with ball joints. the only part that comes with a new ball joint would be the the steering knuckle.

 

They aren't included because of how they are installed. They are hammered into the knuckle and then bolted. The stud goes through the control arm. They aren't like the 850 where the ball joint is part of the arm and the stud is held into the knuckle with a pinch bolt.

 

Thanks for clearing that up. I thought it was like the 850. Oh well.... Guess I'll order thru Rock Auto. I've had good luck with them and they're about half the cost of O'Reilly, CarQuest, etc.

 

Just installed a new ball joint in my 2000 S80 control arm. As recommended by other user of this web site, I purchased a 2 inch inside diameter, 3 inch long pipe nipple and an end cap for about $8 from Home Depot. I lubricated both control arm and ball joint contact surfaces with WD40 and screwed in the old bolts loosely as alignment guides. The open end of the pipe nipple fits over the new ball joint and inside of the bolts, so there is enough contact area. I then tapped on the end cap with a hammer and the ball joint seated itself quite easily into the control arm.