Selecting the Correct Control Arm for 2014-2020 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 Trucks

Inside the Issue

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 are among General Motors’ most popular offerings with millions of models on the roadways. With a variety of suspension parts in use and other differing criteria, selecting the right MOOG® replacement control arm can be a challenge. When looking up an application in MOOG’s part finder, you could have multiple options to choose from.

To ensure that you get the right part for your GM truck, there are some crucial pieces of information that you’ll need. Please note that the information outlined below also applies to the Chevrolet Avalanche truck and a variety of full-size SUVs including the Chevrolet Suburban 1500, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL 1500.

Getting the Right Part

Besides the drivetrain type (4WD or RWD) and control arm position (front right/left, lower/upper), you’ll want to arm yourself with some key pieces of information to select the correct control arm. When looking up the part by application within the MOOG part finder or DRiV digital catalog, pay close attention to the qualifiers/additional fit criteria. This information will help you decipher between the different options MOOG offers. Here’s a brief overview of some of the qualifiers you may see:

Replaces aluminum, stamped steel or cast iron control arms

Visually inspecting your vehicle is the best way to determine if your vehicle has control arms made of aluminum, stamped steel or cast iron. Start by washing off the control arm, a buildup of dirt and grime can make it hard to determine what kind of control arm you have.

An easy way to determine if the control arm is made of steel is to wave a magnet over it. If the magnet doesn’t stick, it is an aluminum arm. If the magnet sticks, it is a cast iron or stamped steel control arm. To determine if it is a cast iron or stamped steel control arm, tap it with a hammer. If it sounds hollow, it is a stamped steel control arm; if you hear a dull thud, it is a cast iron control arm.

With or without aluminum steering knuckles

As with the control arms, using a magnet makes it easy to determine if your steering knuckles are made of aluminum. After washing any dirt and debris off the steering knuckle, run a magnet over it. If the magnet doesn’t stick to the knuckle, then it is made of aluminum; if the magnet sticks, then the knuckle is made of a different material. You must identify which knuckle material and control arm material you have to ensure that you get the right part.

Further Guidance

After reviewing the qualifiers, you may still be left with a few different choices. Your options could include a premium control arm (RK prefix), high utilization control arm (CK prefix) or an adjustable control arm.

• Premium vs. High Utilization Control Arms

  Select the appropriate control arm based upon driving conditions and vehicle usage. For example, High Utilization designs are ideal for delivery, municipal, light commercial vehicles, and other hardworking vehicles that are put through punishing roads and heavier loads.

• Adjustable Control Arms

  If the factory adjustment doesn’t have enough range to get the alignment into specification, select an adjustable control arm. This may occur due to wear and tear on other parts of the suspension. The best solution is to replace those worn parts, but if that isn’t possible an adjustable control arm can be used. MOOG adjustable control arms allow plus or minus 3° camber and/or plus or minus 1.5° caster.

Learn more about premium steering and suspension parts, find your car part, or find where to buy your auto part today.

The content in this article is for informational purposes only. You should consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have questions relating to any of the topics covered herein. Tenneco will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.