Need a new ball joint. What control arms and what bushings?

[clydesdale]

I need a new driver's ball joint. I figured I'd replace the control arm. From what I have read Lemforder is the way to go. But what arms and what bushings. I have read about 96+ m3 arms, e30 m3 bushings, treehouse bushings and such like that. I have the standard wheels on my 87 325is. What would M3 cab do? What about replacing the stock with "powerflex" parts from bimmer world. I have searched the forum for the past hour and I am still not sure of what I need here. I have the stock suspension. Thanks.
Jeff

[lordofthewaters]

http://www.fap99.com/ShopByVehicle.e...ushing&mode=PA


I've got a set of these same CAB's New without box for $15.00 shipped. If interested.

and

http://www.fap99.com/ShopByVehicle.e...ol+Arm&mode=PA

[ddavidv]

M3 control arms are simply the same thing in aluminum. No reason to spend the extra for a street car. Offset bushings are really only needed if you've lowered the car. If you have stock springs, standard stuff is fine.

[clydesdale]

Will the offset be ok if I did not lower the car?

[gearheadE30]

I would assume so. The benefits of the offset bushings are that they are solid, they give you a bit more caster, and I noticed a little less dive after the install. Caster can do that, but it may have been the placebo effect. Caster will also give the front a bit more camber as you turn the wheel as well as better straight-line stability. Turn-in will be slightly reduced, but not by much.

You can also go with poly (I would suggest AKG motorsports if you go that route) but they will be a bit noisier. They are easier to install though.

[StereoInstaller1]

I am using the AKG on both mine and the wifes' car. Have not noticed much of a difference in noise or harshness (certainly some, but not tons) but a HUGE difference in response, that lovely "planted" feel, and nearly the most important: braking.

I have said it before, I will say it again: the best $50 you can spend on your suspension is AKG urethane CABs.

Luke

[SynSyx]

I dont want ot hijack this thread but I am in a similar boat, my car is in the shop and they say the control arms and bushings all need to be replaced. They quoted me $150ea for the control arms, and $38 for the bushings, for a parts total of $338, add $267 labor, were up to $605

Should I order lemforders myself or let them use whatever they have, and what about bushings (my car is lowered, and is also a cabrio if that matters)

[StereoInstaller1]

You should do your own damn work so YOU know what goes on.

[SynSyx]

i agree but i dont have the time to do it all myself, hence why i am having people who know what theyre doing do it

so back to my inquiry, should i buy lemforders myself or use what they have, and should i let them use factory bushings or is there a better alternative for lowered cars

[StereoInstaller1]

i agree but i dont have the time to do it all myself, hence why i am having people who know what theyre doing do it

so back to my inquiry, should i buy lemforders myself or use what they have, and should i let them use factory bushings or is there a better alternative for lowered cars

Personally, I would push for Lemforders and AKG urethane control arm bushings.

[gearheadE30]

+1 on the Lemforders. They have a tendency to last a bit longer, specially if you trak the car much.