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Dorman 520-221 Suspension Control Arm and Ball Joint Assembly - Front Left Upper
Durable Suspension Control Arm and Ball Joint Assembly
The Dorman 520-221 suspension control arm and ball joint assembly is engineered for reliable performance in Ford, Mazda, and Mercury vehicles. Designed specifically for models like the Ford Ranger and Mazda B2500, this assembly ensures precise suspension control and improved handling.
- Pre-greased for immediate installation and smooth operation
- Includes rubber bushings and mounting hardware for a complete replacement
- Constructed from durable iron with a black finish for corrosion resistance
- Press-in ball joint with pinch stud type, installed and ready to use
- Compatible with Ford B2500, B3000, B4000, Explorer, Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Mountaineer, and Ranger models
Product Features and Specifications
This suspension control arm and ball joint assembly (part number 520-221) features a casting/forged iron control arm designed for light suspension grade applications. The assembly comes pre-greased, eliminating the need for additional lubrication during installation. Rubber bushings are included to reduce vibration and noise, while the press-in ball joint with a 14 mm thread diameter and pinch stud type ensures secure mounting. The control arm measures up to 288.5 mm in width and 237 mm in length, with a single 12.3 mm mounting hole for precise fitment. Mounting hardware is included to facilitate a straightforward installation process.
Compatible Vehicles and Applications
This Dorman suspension control arm and ball joint assembly is compatible with a range of Ford, Mazda, and Mercury vehicles, including:
- Ford Ranger
- Ford Explorer, Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac
- Mazda B2500, B3000, B4000
- Mercury Mountaineer
It is designed to restore proper suspension geometry and improve vehicle handling for these specific models.
Common Suspension Issues Addressed
- Worn or damaged control arm bushings causing excessive play
- Faulty ball joints leading to uneven tire wear or steering issues
- Corroded or weakened control arm compromising suspension stability
- Noise or vibration from suspension components
- Misalignment affecting vehicle handling and safety
Installation Notes and Tips
Before installation, verify vehicle compatibility with the Dorman 520-221 part number. The assembly comes pre-greased and includes all necessary bushings and mounting hardware, simplifying the replacement process. Use appropriate tools to press out the old ball joint if necessary, and ensure all mounting bolts are torqued to manufacturer specifications. Since this control arm is not adjustable, alignment should be checked and corrected after installation.
Quality Assurance and Warranty
Dorman suspension components are manufactured to meet or exceed OEM standards for durability and fitment. The 520-221 assembly undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure reliable performance. While specific warranty details may vary, Dorman typically offers a limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
| Brand | Dorman |
| Part Number | 520-221 |
| Adjustable | No |
| Ball Joint Included | Yes |
| Ball Joint Installed | Yes |
| Ball Joint Mounting Type | Press In |
| Ball Joint Stud Type | Pinch |
| Ball Joint Thread Diameter | 14 |
| Bushing Material | Rubber |
| Bushings Included | Yes |
| Control Arm Color | Black |
| Control Arm Material | Iron |
| Control Arm Maximum Length | 237 |
| Control Arm Maximum Width | 288.5 |
| Control Arm Type | Casting/Forged |
| Grade Type | Regular |
| Grease Fitting Included | No |
| Mounting Hardware Included | Yes |
| Mounting Hole Diameter | 12.3 mm |
| Mounting Hole Quantity | 1 |
| Package Contents | Control Arm and Ball Joint Assembly |
| Pre-Greased | Yes |
| Suspension Grade Type | Light |
This part fits 78 vehicles. Search below:
| Year | Make | Model | Drive Type | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Ford | Ranger | Front Left Upper | w/Front Torsion Springs | |
| 2011 | Ford | Ranger | Front Left Upper | ||
| 2010 | Ford | Ranger | Front Left Upper | ||
| 2010 | Mazda | B4000 | 4WD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2009 | Ford | Ranger | Front Left Upper | ||
| 2009 | Mazda | B4000 | 4WD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2009 | Mazda | B4000 | RWD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2008 | Ford | Ranger | Front Left Upper | ||
| 2008 | Mazda | B4000 | 4WD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2008 | Mazda | B4000 | RWD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2007 | Ford | Ranger | Front Left Upper | ||
| 2007 | Mazda | B3000 | RWD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2007 | Mazda | B4000 | 4WD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2007 | Mazda | B4000 | RWD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2006 | Ford | Ranger | Front Left Upper | ||
| 2006 | Mazda | B3000 | RWD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2006 | Mazda | B4000 | 4WD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2006 | Mazda | B4000 | RWD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2005 | Ford | Explorer Sport Trac | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design | |
| 2005 | Ford | Ranger | Front Left Upper | ||
| 2005 | Mazda | B3000 | 4WD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2005 | Mazda | B3000 | RWD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2005 | Mazda | B4000 | 4WD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2005 | Mazda | B4000 | RWD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2004 | Ford | Explorer Sport Trac | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design | |
| 2004 | Ford | Ranger | Front Left Upper | ||
| 2004 | Mazda | B3000 | RWD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2004 | Mazda | B4000 | 4WD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2004 | Mazda | B4000 | RWD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2003 | Ford | Explorer Sport | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design | |
| 2003 | Ford | Explorer Sport Trac | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design | |
| 2003 | Ford | Ranger | Front Left Upper | ||
| 2003 | Mazda | B3000 | RWD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2003 | Mazda | B4000 | 4WD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2003 | Mazda | B4000 | RWD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2002 | Ford | Explorer Sport | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design | |
| 2002 | Ford | Explorer Sport Trac | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design | |
| 2002 | Ford | Ranger | Front Left Upper | ||
| 2002 | Mazda | B3000 | 4WD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2002 | Mazda | B3000 | RWD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2002 | Mazda | B4000 | 4WD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2002 | Mazda | B4000 | RWD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2001 | Ford | Explorer | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design | |
| 2001 | Ford | Explorer Sport | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design | |
| 2001 | Ford | Explorer Sport Trac | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design | |
| 2001 | Ford | Ranger | Front Left Upper | ||
| 2001 | Mazda | B2500 | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design | |
| 2001 | Mazda | B3000 | 4WD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2001 | Mazda | B3000 | RWD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2001 | Mazda | B4000 | 4WD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2001 | Mazda | B4000 | RWD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2001 | Mercury | Mountaineer | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design | |
| 2000 | Ford | Explorer | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design | |
| 2000 | Ford | Ranger | Front Left Upper | ||
| 2000 | Mazda | B3000 | 4WD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2000 | Mazda | B3000 | RWD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2000 | Mazda | B4000 | 4WD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2000 | Mazda | B4000 | RWD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 2000 | Mercury | Mountaineer | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design | |
| 1999 | Ford | Explorer | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design | |
| 1999 | Ford | Ranger | Front Left Upper | ||
| 1999 | Mazda | B2500 | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design | |
| 1999 | Mazda | B3000 | 4WD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 1999 | Mazda | B3000 | RWD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 1999 | Mazda | B4000 | 4WD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 1999 | Mazda | B4000 | RWD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 1999 | Mercury | Mountaineer | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design | |
| 1998 | Ford | Explorer | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design | |
| 1998 | Ford | Ranger | Front Left Upper | ||
| 1998 | Mazda | B3000 | 4WD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 1998 | Mazda | B3000 | RWD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 1998 | Mazda | B4000 | 4WD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 1998 | Mazda | B4000 | RWD | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
| 1998 | Mercury | Mountaineer | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design | |
| 1997 | Ford | Explorer | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design | |
| 1997 | Mercury | Mountaineer | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design | |
| 1996 | Ford | Explorer | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design | |
| 1995 | Ford | Explorer | Front Left Upper | 1 Piece Design |
* Always verify fitment with your vehicle's VIN if unsure. Submodel & trim restrictions may apply.
This part directly replaces or is cross-referenced with the following part numbers:
Cross-reference numbers are provided for identification purposes only. Always confirm fitment before ordering.