Front Control Arm Ball Joints FD
05-07-16, 11:04 PM
#27
pistons are for brakes
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Canada
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
05-08-16, 01:30 PM
#28
They look very well copied. I'm curious how they work out.
I'm trying to wrestle my suspension under control right now, and I hope to complete that project this month. All goes well, I'll have the Moonface LCAs, Nagisa UCAs, and my Ohlins installed. I'll have pics on my build thread then, as that will definitely warrant a detailed update. I'll try to remember to update here as well. Working on getting my rear suspension apart at the moment. Getting the rear knuckles removed is proving to be quite the challenge.
I'm trying to wrestle my suspension under control right now, and I hope to complete that project this month. All goes well, I'll have the Moonface LCAs, Nagisa UCAs, and my Ohlins installed. I'll have pics on my build thread then, as that will definitely warrant a detailed update. I'll try to remember to update here as well. Working on getting my rear suspension apart at the moment. Getting the rear knuckles removed is proving to be quite the challenge.
05-09-16, 03:06 PM
#29
Full Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Back from the dead glad someone finally recreated these consumable parts. Let us know how they fit and function. Mazda must have sold the patent to someone.
05-09-16, 11:53 PM
#30
Originally Posted by quichedem
They look very well copied. I'm curious how they work out.
I'm trying to wrestle my suspension under control right now, and I hope to complete that project this month. All goes well, I'll have the Moonface LCAs, Nagisa UCAs, and my Ohlins installed. I'll have pics on my build thread then, as that will definitely warrant a detailed update. I'll try to remember to update here as well. Working on getting my rear suspension apart at the moment. Getting the rear knuckles removed is proving to be quite the challenge.
I'm trying to wrestle my suspension under control right now, and I hope to complete that project this month. All goes well, I'll have the Moonface LCAs, Nagisa UCAs, and my Ohlins installed. I'll have pics on my build thread then, as that will definitely warrant a detailed update. I'll try to remember to update here as well. Working on getting my rear suspension apart at the moment. Getting the rear knuckles removed is proving to be quite the challenge.
Some update about it in couple years would be appreciated 
Originally Posted by Newsome79
Back from the dead glad someone finally recreated these consumable parts. Let us know how they fit and function. Mazda must have sold the patent to someone.
05-10-16, 06:13 PM
#31
Thanks! I know it's been quite some time since I've had a meaningful update. There were some life stuffs going on, so it became unjustifiable to fund the build. I am relegated to doing minor things here and there for the mean time, and I have some ambitious suspension and brake plans. This has required more on the planning end, and getting some stuff designed. Not only will I have a build update, but I'll also have a separate thread on that as well. Stay tuned...
05-11-16, 09:22 AM
#32
Full Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I did not get new ones. Shortly after i started this thread i got a new job, moved to Denver, bought a house etc..... So the car has been parked a lot and it needs a turbo replacement upgrade first so Im trying to get a handle on that after a few promotions and such so I could afford it.
11-05-17, 02:10 AM
#34
Full Member
02-26-18, 12:24 AM
#35
I am bringing this thread back from the dead instead of posting a new one. If this is not preferred, please delete my post.
How many people have purchased these aftermarket arms? What kind of experiences are we getting with them? When placed side by side with OEM, are there any noticeable differences? Any dimensional differences?
Ebay has these: (I don't like heim joints)
Dorman Uppers: Front Left / Front Right ($116 each)
Dorman Lowers: Front Left / Front Right ($245 each)
Mevotech Lowers: Front Left / Front Right ($204 each)
Front Right Lower Part Number: 8609-05511047 / Front Left Lower Part Number: 8609-05524866 (At least for partsgeek website, which I don't like)
Duralast Lowers: Front Left / Front Right ($400 each)
Duralast Uppers: Front Left / Front Right ($225 each)
Just wondering what the experiences out there have been? Part of me wants to order set and do some side by side comparisons. Part of me worries I won't like what I get. I've top-shelfed myself on every other part on this car, so... I feel cheap even posting this. But sometimes, one has to look to see what the actual benefit is for spending 3-5 times the amount on parts. If the benefit is there, then so be it.
How many people have purchased these aftermarket arms? What kind of experiences are we getting with them? When placed side by side with OEM, are there any noticeable differences? Any dimensional differences?
Ebay has these: (I don't like heim joints)
Dorman Uppers: Front Left / Front Right ($116 each)
Dorman Lowers: Front Left / Front Right ($245 each)
Mevotech Lowers: Front Left / Front Right ($204 each)
Front Right Lower Part Number: 8609-05511047 / Front Left Lower Part Number: 8609-05524866 (At least for partsgeek website, which I don't like)
Duralast Lowers: Front Left / Front Right ($400 each)
Duralast Uppers: Front Left / Front Right ($225 each)
Just wondering what the experiences out there have been? Part of me wants to order set and do some side by side comparisons. Part of me worries I won't like what I get. I've top-shelfed myself on every other part on this car, so... I feel cheap even posting this. But sometimes, one has to look to see what the actual benefit is for spending 3-5 times the amount on parts. If the benefit is there, then so be it.
Last edited by Monkman33; 02-26-18 at 12:37 AM.
02-26-18, 03:30 AM
#36
I decided a long time and went oem. Bought a used set off of a 30k mile fd with good bushing and good balljoints
if your looking for one i happen to have a set with good balljoints not so good bushings recommend putting in aftermarket ones or new ones
if your looking for one i happen to have a set with good balljoints not so good bushings recommend putting in aftermarket ones or new ones
02-26-18, 02:02 PM
#37
I am bringing this thread back from the dead instead of posting a new one. If this is not preferred, please delete my post.
How many people have purchased these aftermarket arms? What kind of experiences are we getting with them? When placed side by side with OEM, are there any noticeable differences? Any dimensional differences?
Ebay has these: (I don't like heim joints)
Dorman Uppers: Front Left / Front Right ($116 each)
Dorman Lowers: Front Left / Front Right ($245 each)
Mevotech Lowers: Front Left / Front Right ($204 each)
Front Right Lower Part Number: 8609-05511047 / Front Left Lower Part Number: 8609-05524866 (At least for partsgeek website, which I don't like)
Duralast Lowers: Front Left / Front Right ($400 each)
Duralast Uppers: Front Left / Front Right ($225 each)
Just wondering what the experiences out there have been? Part of me wants to order set and do some side by side comparisons. Part of me worries I won't like what I get. I've top-shelfed myself on every other part on this car, so... I feel cheap even posting this. But sometimes, one has to look to see what the actual benefit is for spending 3-5 times the amount on parts. If the benefit is there, then so be it.
How many people have purchased these aftermarket arms? What kind of experiences are we getting with them? When placed side by side with OEM, are there any noticeable differences? Any dimensional differences?
Ebay has these: (I don't like heim joints)
Dorman Uppers: Front Left / Front Right ($116 each)
Dorman Lowers: Front Left / Front Right ($245 each)
Mevotech Lowers: Front Left / Front Right ($204 each)
Front Right Lower Part Number: 8609-05511047 / Front Left Lower Part Number: 8609-05524866 (At least for partsgeek website, which I don't like)
Duralast Lowers: Front Left / Front Right ($400 each)
Duralast Uppers: Front Left / Front Right ($225 each)
Just wondering what the experiences out there have been? Part of me wants to order set and do some side by side comparisons. Part of me worries I won't like what I get. I've top-shelfed myself on every other part on this car, so... I feel cheap even posting this. But sometimes, one has to look to see what the actual benefit is for spending 3-5 times the amount on parts. If the benefit is there, then so be it.
09-14-18, 09:06 AM
#38
The Dorman and Duralast are the exact same pictures so made by the same company with their own respective part numbers. The Mevotech are different pictures however with such small possibility of sales, wouldn't be surprised if one company is supplying all these resellers essentially.
09-15-18, 10:28 AM
#39
Please share any pictures you can of this as well as any specific information at the time of failure. I bought the Moonface LCAs under the impression that the ball joints would be easier to change once they wore out (and for the roll center correction from lowering), but they might be putting defective ball joints into the arms.
08-08-23, 10:22 AM
#42
Lower Ball Joint Option
Thread Revival!
So, I am in the process of reviving an old RX-7 that had been sitting for a number of years and of course came upon the lower ball joint issue. Through my search I happened to come across this thread as well as this video of CCFabLabs option that is basically what the OP (Newsome) had asked about over 10 years ago. Seems you can machine the lower ball joint out of its mount and replace it with a new joint. It can be done at home or with a mill if you had one easily accessed. Below is a link to the video I just saw and you can check www.ccfablab.com for the joints.
Just thought I'd update with new information.
So, I am in the process of reviving an old RX-7 that had been sitting for a number of years and of course came upon the lower ball joint issue. Through my search I happened to come across this thread as well as this video of CCFabLabs option that is basically what the OP (Newsome) had asked about over 10 years ago. Seems you can machine the lower ball joint out of its mount and replace it with a new joint. It can be done at home or with a mill if you had one easily accessed. Below is a link to the video I just saw and you can check www.ccfablab.com for the joints.
Just thought I'd update with new information.
The following 2 users liked this post by obeeone420:
gracer7-rx7 (08-08-23),
scotty305 (08-20-23)
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
NCross
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
9
08-29-15 01:55 PM
GrossPolluter
Suspension/Wheels/Tires/Brakes
12
08-15-15 10:32 PM
