Question: Suspension Parts

[John Robinson]

I have to replace the lower ball joints and inner tie rod ends on my 93. I have been pricing the parts and my question is this MAM & Ecklers have the ball joints for $30.00 each and the tie rod ends for the same price. When I called to find out who the manufacturer was I found out they are made off shore. (China- Taiwan Etc) The Moog prices are much higher for the ball joints they are in the area of$100.00 each and the tie rod ends are about $65.00ea. What I am wondering is what is the experience of those who have used the less expensive parts. I am not wanting to start a discussion about opinions on buying original equipment over non OEM I simply want to hear what others have experienced with these parts.;help

 

[vetteoz]

The Moog prices are much higher for the ball joints they are in the area of$100.00 each and the tie rod ends are about $65.00ea.

At that pricing plus the cost of R/R the ball joint you might consider a whole new bottom arm with OEM factory ball joint and bushes for $130?
C4 Corvette Suspension : Corvette Recycling

Job lot price ; the 4 front arms with complete with factory parts for $400.
1988 - 1996 C4 Corvette Suspension / Control Arm Set

OEM tie rods $40
C6 Parts : C5 and C4 Used Corvette Body Parts : Corvette Suspension : Front Bumper : Vette Parts : Corvette Repair and Salvage

FWIW ;
myself and others have had problems with lesser name aftermarket bottom joints being oversize and VERY hard to get started when trying to press into the bottom arms

 

[Itshakes]

Our son and I have just replaced all the front suspension parts ( Ball joints, Tie Rod ends, Idler arm, Bushings etc.) on his Chevelle, and he bought one of those "special" kits. All the parts were made off shore, and the fit of all the parts was terrible. Some of the ball joint holes were off by as much as 1/4"! After numerous attempts to solve this problem with the vendor, we decided to chuck the whole kit, and buy MOOG parts. They ALL fit perfect, and appear to be top notch parts.

My father used to say, "Buy Cheap-Get Cheap"

You get what you pay for!!

 

[LT4man]

John, several years ago, I purchased upper ball joints, upper control arm bushings and tie rod ends for the front suspension on my Vette. I bought them from Vette Brakes and Products. They were delivered in a timely fashion. They all fit perfectly. I believe they were all American made. I was very pleased with them.

AFTER REBUILDING YOUR SUSPENSION, PLEASE SAVE THE !

 

[klkordzi]

I redid my entire front end. Upper and lower ball joints, rod ends and steering rack. All the part were bought at AutoZone. Everything went together without problems and I didn't have to wait for anything or pay shipping.