Dorman 527-168 Lateral Arm and Ball Joint Assembly - Rear Upper

Dorman 527-168 Rear Lateral Link

Dorman 527-168 is a rear upper lateral arm and ball joint assembly for select Ford Flex, Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. It replaces the factory rear suspension toe compensator link with an OE FIX design that addresses a known weld-fracture failure point in the original part.

Key Features

• OE FIX rear lateral link design for rear suspension repair
• Solid, one-piece steel cast threaded shaft ends replace welded ends
• 18mm threaded shaft ends increase diameter versus the 14mm factory design
• Built to improve load distribution across the suspension link
• Standard replacement part with ball joint included
• Package contents: 1 lateral link and 2 nuts

Detailed Description

This Dorman rear lateral link is engineered for Ford Flex, Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT applications where the original rear suspension control arm toe compensator link can fracture at the welded threaded shaft ends. By using solid, one-piece steel castings at both ends and a larger 18mm shaft diameter, part number 527-168 is designed to provide a more durable rear suspension repair and more consistent handling response. This part cross-references MOOG Chassis Products RK623606 for the same application.

What It Helps Address

• Rear lateral link fracture at the threaded shaft ends
• Loose or inconsistent rear suspension geometry
• Reduced steering control caused by a failed toe compensator link
• Uneven load distribution in the rear suspension
• Repeat repairs tied to the original welded-end design

Installation Notes and Fitment

Compatible With 2012-2019 Ford Flex, rear upper; 2011 Ford Flex, rear upper, from 9/20/10. Compatible With 2012-2019 Ford Taurus, rear upper; 2011 Ford Taurus, rear upper, from 9/20/10. Compatible With 2012-2016 Lincoln MKS, rear upper; 2011 Lincoln MKS, rear upper, from 9/20/10. Compatible With 2012-2019 Lincoln MKT, rear upper; 2011 Lincoln MKT, rear upper, from 9/20/10. Verify rear suspension configuration before installation and compare the original link to part number 527-168 for proper application.

Quality Assurance

Dorman OE FIX components are designed as direct-fit replacement solutions that address known failure points in original equipment designs. Part number 527-168 uses upgraded construction details to improve durability in the rear suspension assembly.