Need Help Identifying Chevy Control Arm Make/Model

6223 Views 8 Replies 4 Participants Last post by johnsongrass1, Jul 6, 2012

andrewakessler

Discussion Starter · Jun 25, 2012

Hello, First time posting.

I'm in the process of restoring a 48 Chevy Pickup from the ground up. When I bought it, I was told the front end of the frame was modified (using a 69 Camaro), but the control arms don't sem to match up with the images I find online.

I'm trying to identify what year/ model the control arms are from. I've attached a couple pics of the upper and lower arms hoping someone would have a better clue than I do.

Thanks in advance,

-A

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andrewakessler

Discussion Starter · #2 · Jun 26, 2012

So after a couple more hours of searching on the web I'm pretty sure these control arms are from a S10... Which makes me wonder if the front subframe is actually from a S10 as well. Considering some of the [email protected] jiggering the last owner did to the truck it wouldn't surprise me.

Looking at the pricing for new control arm parts, it would be close to the same cost (including my labor) to buy vs. repair the old ones (replacing bearings, bushings, etc).

Does anyone have any opinions concerning aftermarket parts? Mevotech, Moog, McQuay-Norris, Dorman? All the reviews tend to be mixed since most parts are being made in China now. I'd really prefer to only have to do the job once.

Thanks,

-A

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66GMC

· #3 · Jun 26, 2012

andrewakessler said:
Does anyone have any opinions concerning aftermarket parts? Mevotech, Moog, McQuay-Norris, Dorman? All the reviews tend to be mixed since most parts are being made in China now. I'd really prefer to only have to do the job once.

Thanks,

-A

I've sold most of those brands, and would recommend that you stay with either Moog or NAPA. The sad truth is that almost all parts (Aftermarket and OEM) are coming from China, Taiwan, Mexico, etc.

Look for ISO-9000+ certification which gives some measure of quality control.
I like some of the Dorman stuff, especially because they do offer an alternative to OEM. Quality seems "decent" ... but not outstanding.
The sway bar that they make for my '98 Grand Prix GTP is solid steel as opposed to the factory hollow tube one, for example.

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andrewakessler

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jun 26, 2012

Thanks for the advice. I appreciate it.

-A

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enjenjo

· #5 · Jun 27, 2012

Since most GM control arms look the same, but are not the same, it's much easier to identify the frame itself rather than the control arms. For instance, is the steering box in front of the front tires, or behind the tires? Single crossmember or double? A picture would help.

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andrewakessler

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jun 27, 2012

enjenjo,

I just attached three images of the frame in various states of teardown / rebuild. The front subframe was welded onto what I believe is the original 48 Chevy frame.

Any clues as to what the front subframe is would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

-A

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enjenjo

· #7 · Jun 29, 2012

Likely mid 80s A or G body intermediate. Monte Carlo and similar models. Crossmember is too wide for an S10, too narrow for a second gen Camaro.

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andrewakessler

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jun 29, 2012

Thanks for the info. It's a huge help having the frame model narrowed down. The A-body / G-body makes sense, since the 1990 S10 seems to have used the same upper control arms as the 80's Monte Carlo.

(example: right upper control arm Alternate/OEM Part Number(s): 12376266, 12543948, 19133654) source: rockauto.com

I also found this FAQ about the 1978-1988 A & G-Body Chassis Information, including what parts are interchangeable between the two.

G-Body Chassis Information

Thanks again,

-A

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