ok the search didn't seem to help me. I have an 86, and I have the bad feeling that i may have my control arms clunking around in the front. I have seen some pictures where people have had the entire front suspension out of the vehicle. I didn't think it did that, but i guess it does. do all the control arm mount locations come out too? I looked through the shop manual, but it didn't seem to have that information either. If I have to replace those frame pieces, can I put in the complete front end from an 88 (i can get one fairly easy, that's why i ask). I have yet to take the front end apart, but I'm 98% sure i'll have to replace this (it's either that or the brakes). thanks for any help and pictures.

The rear mount of the lower control arm is part of the chassis and doesn't come out (on my recently departed 86 SE hulk.)

If you need a set of 86 control arms (poly bushings, fairly recent ball joints) LMK. I also have the front axle crossmember. All are fairly rust free (high desert car)

The crossmember out of an 88 WILL NOT bolt up to a pre-88 chassis. The mounting points are very different. You can remove the complete crossmember with the suspension and steering rack attached from your car and bolt another one in. The rear pivot for the lower "A" arm and the upper shock absorber mount are the only suspension points that bolt directly to the chassis (as far as I remember).

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Rod Schneider, Woodstock, Ga.
"You can't have too many toys!"
1988 Fiero GT
1966 Porsche 911
Van's RV-6 airplane-under construction

ok. that's half good news i guess. the only thing i would like more would be some pictures. is this in the service manual? I couldn't seem to find it.

nevermind. I don't need to replace it. I checked today and what I thought was wrong wasn't. i'm gonna start a new thread on that. thanks for your help guys. very interesting info.