Replace A-arms complete vs. bushings only?

I’ll be replacing all the front bushings for the A arms as well as the ball joints soon. Only 60k miles, but they were hard miles apparently. My question is, will there be any difference in performance or durability depending on whether I replace the control arms entirely with new OEM or Moog vs just buying the Moog bushings and installing them in the original control arms.

Money is not really a factor (which is not to say I want to waste it). Just wondering if the OEM has any advantage considering it’s only offering a complete assembly. I have a press and everything I need to press bushings. And plenty of time.

I’m usually biased towards OEM as a rule, and I had an unimpressive result using Moog on my Jeep. But some of that was sourced from EBay and I’m wondering if it may have been Chinese counterfeit.

PS I have considered using polyurethane high performance bushings but I don’t believe I would like the increased transmission of road shock.

The Hoe will be lifted soon, 4 to 6” and 33-35” tires.

 

@Bill 1960 Personally I would go with an entire new quality moog control arm for the sake of saving time. I ordered their premium line off Amazon and am happy with the results.

An alternative is to go with Rough Coutrys forged upper control arm. They use moog ball joints and cost about as much as a set of moog uppers.

 

the only 2 reasons which are generally the case anyway when replacing a arm component are ease of replacement or damage. ive only ever done them on 130k+ vehicles but the bushings can and usually do find a way to fight you tooth and nail. replacing the whole arm typically removes that problem all together. especially if your doing ball joints and bushings i recommend just doing the whole arm and spend the time your saved having a couple cold brews.

 

I agree with this...

 

Another vote for the whole arm. Theoretically, since you talk about a hard 60k miles, the arm could have a weak spot from that hard driving. Do the complete arms and move on.

Also, be aware, when you lift that vehicle all of your steering and suspension components will now be under more than normal stress and you will be replacing components more often than normal.

 

You guys sure do like spending OPM.

You’ll be happy to know I did buy the arms complete, in part due to sourcing issues with trying to obtain quality parts. The whole supply chain is screwed up by all the 2020 crap. As of this time I’m still waiting for one LCA that Amazon has tried to ship 3x. Big A told me it shipped yesterday via UPS overnight. As of this writing UPS doesn’t have possession. So someone created a label but didn’t hand over the part.

 

I am a big big fan of spending OPM when my opinion is asked. This guy foolishly asked me what he should plate in Gold:

 

Not only that, he foolishly did it!

 

I’ll have to block you guys if I ever get into cosmetic alterations LOL.

 

You'll be cheating yourself if you don't take @PNW VietVet's gold standard recommendations.