After spending about 2 hours on the 'net, I will answer my own questions in hopes that it may help someone in the future.
Is it normal to have iron/steel upper arms and lower aluminum arms?
Apparently, yes. Aluminum was used to save weight on the LCAs. However, the weight savings doesn't equate into improved gas mileage. From what I can find it does not negatively alter driving experiences.
Info #1:
Black control arms are likely steel or iron.
Info #2:
Apparently the vast majority of 07-14 Tahoe knuckles are iron.
Can I get rid of my aluminum control arms and replace it with cheaper iron?
Yes, as long as your knuckle is not aluminum. Apparently iron control arms won't fit into aluminum knuckles. See info #2, also.
rock auto shows on some control arms "Exc. Aluminum Steering Knuckles"
You will need to verify if you have aluminum. Can be done by sight and using a magnet. Aluminum is lighter in color and is non magnetic (typically). You may need to do some scrubbing on your knuckle to get a good look at the color.
Is it normal to have iron/steel upper arms and lower aluminum arms?
Apparently, yes. Aluminum was used to save weight on the LCAs. However, the weight savings doesn't equate into improved gas mileage. From what I can find it does not negatively alter driving experiences.
Info #1:
Black control arms are likely steel or iron.
Info #2:
Apparently the vast majority of 07-14 Tahoe knuckles are iron.
Can I get rid of my aluminum control arms and replace it with cheaper iron?
Yes, as long as your knuckle is not aluminum. Apparently iron control arms won't fit into aluminum knuckles. See info #2, also.
rock auto shows on some control arms "Exc. Aluminum Steering Knuckles"
You will need to verify if you have aluminum. Can be done by sight and using a magnet. Aluminum is lighter in color and is non magnetic (typically). You may need to do some scrubbing on your knuckle to get a good look at the color.
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