[skohler]

I need to replace my upper control arms as the ball joints are getting loose. Looks like I can order OEM ones from Courtesy Nissan for around $120 each, but I've seen them around $40-70 from places like Rock auto.

The first set lasted 90k miles and I'm not looking for high end replacements (like PRG), but wanted to see if anyone used and recommended any of the cheaper alternatives.

Thanks!

 

[JoeyS]

I need to replace my upper control arms as the ball joints are getting loose. Looks like I can order OEM ones from Courtesy Nissan for around $120 each, but I've seen them around $40-70 from places like Rock auto.

The first set lasted 90k miles and I'm not looking for high end replacements (like PRG), but wanted to see if anyone used and recommended any of the cheaper alternatives.

Thanks!

Well, you get what you pay for. When it comes to something as critical to the front suspension as the UCA's, I would certainly not recommend looking for cheap replacements. A $50 part supporting the entire front end of $30k full size truck?
There are safer cost-cutting options, like buying used aftermarket lift arms, or used low-mileage stock arms.

 

[skohler]

Well, you get what you pay for. When it comes to something as critical to the front suspension as the UCA's, I would certainly not recommend looking for cheap replacements. A $50 part supporting the entire front end of $30k full size truck?
There are safer cost-cutting options, like buying used aftermarket lift arms, or used low-mileage stock arms.

Normally I would agree, but I don't see the UCA's as being particularly complicated from an engineering standpoint. OEM is naturally more expensive, but not always because it is better. I actually looked through the buy/sell to see if someone took off OEM UCA's to go aftermarket, but did not come across anything recent.