Sacrilege? What, Detroit Axle Front Suspension

[cyberman]

So, after 90k miles, my ball joints are a little loose. I can't feel it driving, except, perhaps, the car tends to follow cracks in the road. Looking around, I found the OE supplier, Lemforder I'm told but correct me if I'm wrong, markets a kit with most of the parts. Cost is $310 on FCP Euro.

I found a similar kit on Amazon priced a lot less that also includes the hub and bearings. My goal is to just restore the car for reliability and drivability back to the way it was from the factory. And, I'm looking for parts that should last at least 60k miles since that's about all I expect to put on the car in the next 10 years. So, has anyone had any experiences with this:

Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088F8L5YD...v_ov_lig_dp_it

Detroit Axle's been around since 1917, so perhaps they can make a quality part - and I like the idea of buying from American companies. Any thoughts?

2.jpg

[BimmerBreaker]

Buy the Lemdorder kit imo

You can always find cheaper parts but you get what you pay for...

[Wcumoron]

I have used detroit axle stuff in the past, on a car that I literally gave away. The hardware was different sizes than stock ie instead of 14mm nuts and bolts they were 15 and 18 instead of 17. Truly annoyed me that I was forced to go and hunt for tools I normally wouldn't need for the job.

A few more bucks and you can get parts from the manufacturers who made the parts to begin with instead of DT who seemingly sources parts for every application.

Just my 2 cents, take it for what it's worth.

[Sleepyhead97]

I got a remanned rack from them but no way would I buy suspension parts for a bimmer

[cyberman]

Ok, ok - Lemforder it is. Thanks all for the feedback.

[328 Power 04]

You can guarantee that those parts are not made in the USA by Detroit Axle. That's the biggest issue.
Second, the most important bushing of them all is missing.

[cyberman]

You can guarantee that those parts are not made in the USA by Detroit Axle. That's the biggest issue.

I agree - we love to shed one of our three sources of mass-producing wealth, namely manufacturing. The others are agriculture and mining resources (including oil) which we can't outsource.

Second, the most important bushing of them all is missing.

Ok, I'll bite: which bushing(s)? The Lemforder kit looked similar.

[328 Power 04]

Lower control arm bushings. Those wear out the quickest and have huge impact over how the front end behaves

[cyberman]

Lower control arm bushings. Those wear out the quickest and have huge impact over how the front end behaves

Thanks, good to know - will make sure they're also replaced.