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Dorman 520-249 Suspension Control Arm and Ball Joint Assembly - Front Left Upper
Durable Suspension Control Arm and Ball Joint Assembly
The Dorman 520-249 suspension control arm and ball joint assembly is engineered for reliable performance in Ford Cougar and Mercury Thunderbird vehicles. Designed with pre-greased components and included bushings, this assembly ensures smooth suspension operation and long-lasting durability.
- Pre-greased for immediate use without additional lubrication
- Includes rubber bushings for effective vibration dampening
- Press-in ball joint with pinch stud for secure mounting
- Constructed from forged iron for strength and durability
- Mounting hardware included for straightforward installation
- Compatible with Ford Cougar and Mercury Thunderbird models
Technical Details and Construction
This suspension control arm and ball joint assembly (part number 520-249) features a casting/forged iron control arm finished in black for corrosion resistance. The assembly includes a press-in ball joint with a 14 mm thread diameter and a pinch stud type for secure attachment. Rubber bushings are pre-installed to reduce noise and absorb road vibrations. The control arm measures up to 288.5 mm in width and 237 mm in length, with a single mounting hole of 12.3 mm diameter. This light suspension grade component is designed to meet regular grade requirements, providing a balance of strength and flexibility suitable for daily driving conditions.
Compatible Vehicles and Applications
This Dorman suspension control arm and ball joint assembly is compatible with the following vehicles:
- Ford Cougar
- Mercury Thunderbird
It is intended for use in suspension systems requiring a light suspension grade control arm with integrated ball joint and bushings. This assembly addresses common suspension issues such as worn control arms, noisy or loose ball joints, and degraded bushings.
Common Suspension Issues Addressed
- Excessive play or looseness in the suspension control arm
- Worn or damaged ball joints causing steering instability
- Degraded rubber bushings leading to vibration and noise
- Corrosion or fatigue in original control arm components
- Difficulty maintaining proper wheel alignment
Installation Notes and Tips
The Dorman 520-249 assembly comes pre-greased and includes mounting hardware, simplifying installation. It is designed for a press-in ball joint mounting type and requires no grease fitting. Ensure the mounting hole diameter of 12.3 mm matches your vehicle’s specifications. Proper torque specifications should be followed during installation to maintain suspension integrity. This part is not adjustable, so alignment checks after installation are recommended.
Quality Assurance and Warranty
Dorman suspension components are manufactured to meet or exceed OEM standards for fit, form, and function. The 520-249 control arm and ball joint assembly undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure durability and performance. While specific warranty details may vary, Dorman typically offers limited warranties covering defects in materials and workmanship. Consult product documentation for exact warranty terms.
| Brand | Dorman |
| Part Number | 520-249 |
| 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 24 vehicles. Search below:
| Year | Make | Model | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Ford | Thunderbird | Front Left Upper | |
| 1997 | Mercury | Cougar | Front Left Upper | |
| 1996 | Ford | Thunderbird | Front Left Upper | |
| 1996 | Mercury | Cougar | Front Left Upper | |
| 1995 | Ford | Cougar | Front Left Upper | |
| 1995 | Ford | Thunderbird | Front Left Upper | |
| 1995 | Mercury | Cougar | Front Left Upper | |
| 1994 | Ford | Cougar | Front Left Upper | |
| 1994 | Ford | Thunderbird | Front Left Upper | |
| 1994 | Mercury | Cougar | Front Left Upper | |
| 1993 | Ford | Cougar | Front Left Upper | |
| 1993 | Ford | Thunderbird | Front Left Upper | |
| 1993 | Mercury | Cougar | Front Left Upper | |
| 1992 | Ford | Cougar | Front Left Upper | |
| 1992 | Ford | Thunderbird | Front Left Upper | |
| 1992 | Mercury | Cougar | Front Left Upper | |
| 1991 | Ford | Cougar | Front Left Upper | |
| 1991 | Ford | Thunderbird | Front Left Upper | |
| 1991 | Mercury | Cougar | Front Left Upper | |
| 1990 | Ford | Cougar | Front Left Upper | |
| 1990 | Ford | Thunderbird | Front Left Upper | |
| 1990 | Mercury | Cougar | Front Left Upper | |
| 1989 | Ford | Thunderbird | Front Left Upper | |
| 1989 | Mercury | Cougar | Front Left Upper |
* 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.