Replace A-arms or just bushings

[92lxaz]

Right now my front end is really mushy and loose feeling. It drives straight and there is little to no vibration going down the freeway but there is a ton of play in the wheel. The alignment checked out find. I currently have Ford C springs and Steeda CC plates. I'm going to do most of the bushings in my front end and was wondering if I should order the entire A-arm (ford has a pair for $300ish), or order the $50 bushings? I know there is a big price difference but I'm thinking since I'm having my shop do it I might save some labor cost since it can be difficult getting the old ones out plus the extra time to get the new ones in. Plus of course I'd have new arms. But if the stock ones are structurally sound does it make sense to replace them? My shop just mentioned replacing the A-arms and didn't say anything about just doing the bushings.

If I can pose another question with the same concept with the stock sway bar, just bushings or new?

Trying to get my front end nice and tight and responsive. In total I will be doing the A-arms and/or bushings, sway bar and/or bushings, new end links and new steering rack bushings, and spring isolators, all poly of course.

Thanks for any input.

 

[2000xp8]

I'd say just replace the arms, this way you also get new balljoints too.
Play in the wheel may also be coming from the rag joint. Common problem.
Upgrading the steering shaft could possibly eliminate the play to.

 

[HISSIN50]

I'd agree with getting new arms since I bet you could be close to the same cost once you buy bushings, ball joints and pay labor.



Good luck.

 

[92lxaz]

Thanks for your input. I just ordered the A-arms. Will have to return the bushings as I had ordered them at the same time as everything else, but no big deal. Rear is next, have to save up though. Thanks again.