Why Choose SPC Performance Control Arms

Upgrading your suspension with aftermarket control arms is one of the most effective ways to improve a vehicle’s handling, ride quality, and tire wear. SPC Performance control arms stand out because they offer a unique combination of strength, adjustability, and ease of installation. Unlike stock arms, SPC units feature precision ball joints and heavy-duty bushings that allow for fine-tuned camber and caster adjustments. This adjustability is especially valuable when you have lowered your vehicle or added aftermarket components that shift the suspension geometry out of factory spec. With SPC arms, you can correct alignment angles, reduce tire scrub, and keep the tires planted through corners.

The design also reduces binding and noise by using greaseable pivot points. Whether you are a weekend mechanic or a professional installer, understanding the correct installation process ensures you get the full benefit of these premium components.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before starting, gather all necessary tools and materials. Having everything ready saves time and prevents frustration during the job. You will need:

  • SPC Performance control arms (front or rear, as applicable)
  • Floor jack and a pair of jack stands (rated for your vehicle weight)
  • Socket set (metric and SAE, depending on your vehicle)
  • Combination wrench set
  • Torque wrench (range should cover suspension bolt specs, typically 40–150 ft-lb)
  • Breaker bar for stubborn bolts
  • Rubber mallet (to help separate ball joints if needed)
  • Penetrating oil (e.g., WD‑40 Specialist or PB Blaster)
  • Grease gun with high-quality chassis grease (SPC recommends their own grease or a lithium‑complex type)
  • Wire brush or drill with a wire wheel (to clean mounting points)
  • Safety glasses and work gloves
  • Thread locker (medium strength) – optional but recommended
  • Alignment tool or smartphone alignment app (for a rough check after installation)

Check your vehicle’s service manual for exact bolt sizes and torque values. Many SPC arms come with a spec sheet; keep it handy.

Safety and Preparation

Effective preparation reduces risk and improves accuracy. Follow these steps before lifting the vehicle:

  • Park on a level, hard surface. Engage the parking brake and chock the rear wheels.
  • Loosen the lug nuts on the wheels you are working on while the vehicle is still on the ground (this makes removal easier).
  • Read the SPC Performance installation instructions that came with your specific part number. Some arms require pre‑loading or specific orientation.
  • If your vehicle is equipped with air suspension or electronic ride height sensors, refer to the service manual to safely disable or isolate those systems.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

Step 1: Lift and Secure the Vehicle

Using the floor jack, lift the vehicle at the designated jacking point (consult the owner’s manual). Place jack stands under the frame rails or reinforced pinch welds – never under the control arms or axles. Lower the vehicle slowly until it rests firmly on the stands. Give the car a gentle shake to confirm stability.

Step 2: Remove the Wheel and Inspect the Old Control Arm

Remove the wheel and tire assembly. Now is a good time to inspect the ball joints, tie rods, and sway bar links for wear. If any are loose or damaged, replace them before installing new control arms – otherwise you may mask a safety issue. Spray penetrating oil on the control arm bolts and ball joint nuts, especially if they look rusty. Wait 10–15 minutes for the oil to work.

Step 3: Disconnect the Old Control Arm

Start by removing the bolt that secures the control arm to the chassis or subframe. On many vehicles, you can leave the lower ball joint attached to the spindle and pivot the arm downward – but check for any hidden fasteners. If your SPC arm replaces a stamped lower arm, you may need to separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle using a pickle fork or ball joint separator. Never heat the control arm with a torch to remove bolts; this can damage adjacent bushings and create a fire hazard. Once the bolts are free, carefully lower the arm and remove it from the vehicle.

Step 4: Clean the Mounting Surfaces

Use a wire brush to clean the frame brackets and spindle attachment points. Remove rust scale, old thread locker, and debris. A clean surface ensures the new bolts seat properly and the torque readings are accurate. This step also makes future maintenance easier.

Step 5: Prepare the New SPC Control Arm

Remove the new arm from its packaging. SPC arms come pre‑greased from the factory, but you should still cycle the ball joint and check for smooth motion. Apply a light coat of grease to the pivot bushings using the supplied grease fitting (or your own, if using a Zerk‑style arm). Do not over‑grease – a few pumps until you see a slight bulge at the bushing edge is sufficient. Wipe away any excess.

Step 6: Install the New Control Arm

Position the SPC arm into the chassis bracket. Insert the new bolts and nuts (often supplied with the arms). Do not fully tighten yet – leave them finger‑tight to allow alignment later. Next, connect the arm to the spindle or knuckle using the supplied ball joint nut. Tighten this nut to the torque specified in your SPC instructions (typically 50–80 ft‑lb).

If the arm uses an eccentric camber adjustment, position the eccentric washer roughly in the middle of its travel to allow fine‑tuning during alignment.

Step 7: Torque All Bolts to Spec

With the vehicle still on jack stands, use the torque wrench to tighten every fastener in a systematic order. Start with the chassis end, then the ball joint, then any sway bar or stabilizer links that attach to the arm. Refer to the SPC specification sheet for exact values – never guess. Over‑torquing can distort the bushings and cause premature failure; under‑torquing can lead to loosening and dangerous handling changes. Use a permanent marker to draw a witness line on each bolt head after torquing, so you can easily spot movement later.

Step 8: Reinstall the Wheel and Lower the Vehicle

Mount the wheel and hand‑tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle to the ground and torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to the manufacturer’s specification. Important: Many suspension bolts must be torqued with the vehicle’s weight on the suspension – but the control arm bolts should already be at spec while on stands. If your SPC arm uses rubber bushings that require a load to be on the arm before final tightening, follow the instructions carefully. Some designs recommend tightening the frame bolts after the vehicle is settled on its wheels to avoid pre‑loading the bushings.

Step 9: Perform an Initial Alignment Check

Before driving, use a simple camber gauge or a smartphone alignment app to get a baseline reading. Set the SPC arm’s eccentric adjuster to achieve as close to factory camber as possible (typically between –0.5° and –1.5° for daily driving). Caster may also be adjustable depending on the arm – follow the SPC instructions. This is only a rough setting; a professional four‑wheel alignment is still required to set toe correctly and avoid tire wear. Plan to schedule an alignment within the next 50 miles.

Final Checks and Break‑In Tips

After installation, perform these essential checks:

  • Cycle the steering lock‑to‑lock and ensure no binding or contact between the control arm and the frame, sway bar, or wheel.
  • Apply the brakes several times to seat the ball joint and bushings.
  • Take a short test drive on a smooth road. Listen for popping, squeaking, or knocks. If you hear noise, re‑check bolt torque and bushing alignment.
  • After 100–200 miles, re‑torque all control arm bolts – they sometimes settle.
  • Lubricate the grease fittings every oil change or 5,000 miles to extend bushing life.

SPC Performance recommends using a high‑quality grease like their own brand to maintain warranty and performance. Avoid cheap multi‑purpose greases that can dry out or wash away.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced mechanics can make these errors. Watch out for:

  • Torquing bushings without load: Rubber and polyurethane bushings have a torsional pre‑load if tightened when the arm is hanging free. Always follow the arm designer’s guidance – some require final tightening with wheels on the ground.
  • Using an impact wrench on ball joint nuts: Over‑speeding can damage the joint’s internal threads or nylon locking insert. Always hand‑torque or use a low‑torque setting with a torque stick.
  • Neglecting alignment after installation: Even if you set camber visually, toe will change. Driving with improper toe scrubs tires rapidly and can make the car feel twitchy.
  • Ignoring the need for new hardware: SPC arms typically include fresh bolts and nuts. Don’t reuse corroded old hardware – it may not hold the required torque.

When to Seek Professional Help

While a DIY suspension upgrade is rewarding, some steps require professional tools and experience. If you encounter seized bolts that cannot be removed, if the ball joint taper does not seat correctly, or if your vehicle has rusted subframes, it is wise to consult a certified mechanic. Additionally, a full four‑wheel alignment with a computerized rack is essential after any control arm replacement. Most shops charge between $80 and $150 for a standard alignment, and it saves you from premature tire replacement. For more information on alignment specifications, visit AlignTech’s resource page or check your vehicle’s service manual.

Long‑Term Maintenance

SPC Performance control arms are built to last, but they still require periodic attention. Inspect the bushings for cracks or excessive play every 12,000 miles. Listen for creaking when turning at low speeds – that often indicates the ball joint needs grease. Clean and re‑pack the grease fittings after off‑road trips or exposure to mud and salt. Many SPC arms come with dust boots; check that they haven’t torn, as contamination accelerates wear.

If you lower your vehicle further or change spring rates, you may need to re‑adjust the arm’s camber setting to keep alignment in spec. A good rule of thumb: check alignment every time you rotate your tires.

Conclusion

Installing SPC Performance control arms is a straightforward upgrade that dramatically improves a vehicle’s cornering stability and tire life. By following this detailed guide – from gathering the right tools to performing final torque checks – you ensure that the suspension works safely and effectively. Remember that a proper professional alignment is not optional; it is the final step that locks in the benefits of your new arms. With careful installation and routine maintenance, your SPC control arms will deliver thousands of miles of confident handling. For further technical details, refer to SPC Performance’s official website for product‑specific instructions and warranty information.