Went in for alignment, came out needing control arms

So I went to advance auto parts today to get Mr. Darcy an alignment. I've noticed a serious difference in tire wear from the inside to the outside on the front tires so I figured that would be the right thing to do. A few hours later I get him back with a note that says, "Front tires are going to have to replaced for the alignment, the upper control arm/ball joints has to be replaced, both sides"

I have no problem with this, I know I need new tires and having been a rental jeep in his past life I'm not surprised he's a little worn, but I am just curious as to what my next step should be.

Do the tires and parts and alignment need to be done at the same time? Should I order the parts and have one of my mechanic friends put them in and then go in for the alignment? If I'm replacing the upper control arms and ball joints is there something else I should be getting too? And where should I get the parts?

Thanks in advance for the amazing help I know I'll receive

Get the upper control arms/ball joints replaced under the recall at a Chrysler/Jeep dealership Kitty.

x2

That UCA recall is for early KJ's('02-'03's) and only for certian states,effected about 40,000 KJ's.

tjkj2002 said:

That UCA recall is for early KJ's('02-'03's) and only for certian states,effected about 40,000 KJ's.

Click to expand...

Well here in Canada All KJ's from '02 too '07 were recalled according
to the Chrysler dealer we deal with. And not a one time only deal either.
We were told that if the ball joints were suspect again that they would be
replaced again no charge. (No for us because we have after market upper
control arms.)
But this is Canada, we have different rules and regulations regarding vehicle
recalls.

I recently replaced the UCAs on my '04.

Dealer price for a new UCA, $320 for one!!
Then I remembered that there was a recall on UBJs in 02-03. So, I looked up the recall info and found the MOPAR replacement part number. Called them back, gave them that number, and they said the price was $110 for both sides.

If the UCAs are the same in all KJ model years, it may work for you too.
Use part# CAFZJ170AA. Heck, they even had them in stock.

Might be worth a shot:shrug:

What about buying them on rockauto.com? I found these http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1284658 and http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=419027 which are much more expensive. Does the brand really matter? The boy is placing an order today or tomorrow for his best friend's car so we were hoping to order it all at once, but of course I want to make sure it's the right thing for Mr. Darcy!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-Up...ptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories
Also found this, seems like a better deal?

OE KJ UCA's are made by TRW(MOOG),I would highly recommend staying with at least MOOG or TRW(same company).

Alright one more question, what does service grade mean? The boy said he liked this brand, and they are less expensive than the moogs. Any thoughts?


RAYBESTOS Part # 5021039B More Info Service Grade; Ball Joint
Front Suspension; Upper; Complete Arm With Ball Joint

I'm also in need of some UCA's due to some deteriorating ball joints. These are the options from RockAuto. Is the "Professional Grade" really any better than the Moog?

$41.89 DORMAN Part # 520354 {#52088632AC}

$56.79 RAYBESTOS Part # 5021039B Service Grade; Ball Joint

$60.99 MEVOTECH Part # MK3198 {#K3198}

$66.79 AUTO EXTRA / CHASSIS RITE Part # AXK3198 {#RK3198}

$98.89 MOOG Part # K3198

$114.79 ACDELCO Part # 45D1039 {#89036883}

$132.99 RAYBESTOS Part # 5021039 Professional Grade

I was wondering that about the Moog as well. The Pro Grade rays are a good bit more expensive though. I also want to try Jo6pak's suggestion of asking for the different year's part number but we would need to be sure that it is the proper part and there aren't any differences. I would like to upgrade, but if it's a stock part for next to nothing, I'll take it!

So.... does anyone know if the part CAFZJ170AA which goes on the '02 is the same as my '06???

badkittystt said:

I was wondering that about the Moog as well. The Pro Grade rays are a good bit more expensive though. I also want to try Jo6pak's suggestion of asking for the different year's part number but we would need to be sure that it is the proper part and there aren't any differences. I would like to upgrade, but if it's a stock part for next to nothing, I'll take it!

Click to expand...

Seems that all the websites that sell UCAs have all the KJs under one heading (02-07) so it looks like they must be the same. I used the 02-03 recall part on my '04 and it worked OK. I know this isn't really a definitive answer, but I think you should be good to go.

Thanks! I'm going to call the jeep dealership on monday and see what they'll do.

badkittystt said:

Thanks! I'm going to call the jeep dealership on monday and see what they'll do.

Click to expand...

When I called, I didn't ention anything about the recall. I simply gave them the number CAFZJ170AA. They never asked any questions about vin# or model year.

Good luck, hope it works out for you