A1 vs A2 A-Arm & how to tell the difference?

[karlsmith]

Doing my research to replace the front end of my 86 (Maine Facility Refurbished in 07 w/6Kmiles) and the reading I have done about replacing the ball joints states that the A1 arms need to be drilled/modified to fit the new ball joints, since only A2 compatible are available. First off, is this a true in your experience, and if so how can I tell the difference? I'm unskilled at taking on that job and it might just be easier trying to source A2 A-Arms?

 

[Action]

It is referencing the size ov the 4 holes and bolts holding the ball jpint to the a-arm. Just use the correct size drill bit.
The newer upper arms have a reinforcing ring around the ball joint.

 

[Retiredwarhorses]

Who says only A2 are available? You can order from any of the major suppliers

 

[karlsmith]

Who says only A2 are available? You can order from any of the major suppliers

That's good news. I read it in an article off of flashoffroad.com. I'm sourcing the parts as money allows (pitman/idler/Hub seals so far).

 

[Augi]

Flashoffroad is ancient and hasnt been updated in a long time. I'd take anything on there with a grain of salt. There is useful information for sure, but a lot of it reads like it was written by the doctors and lawyers who were able to afford a $100k plus Hummer new. Smart people but not always the best mechanical minds.

Also there was no surplus market to speak of at the time.

Augi

 

[dilvoy]

The later upper control arms were modified by having a ring of sorts that surrounded the ball joint. This was welded to the control arm at time of manufacture and AM General actually sold just the rings so they could be installed on early Hummers that did not have them. The four bolts of each upper control arm would hold the ball joint and this item to the control arm via the four bolts. Early control arms have an open "C" shape for the upper ball joint to sit in and later ones had a hole for it to be bolted into for extra support.

 

[karlsmith]

Early control arms have an open "C" shape for the upper ball joint to sit in and later ones had a hole for it to be bolted into for extra support.

Thank you for explaining easily what to look for!