lower vs. higher grade suspension parts

[72truckster]

Im thinking of getting ball joints, Control arm shaft assembly and tie rods from Napa. Their seems to be a lower grade component rated at about 20 000km and then a higher grade with a limited lifetime rating. Im not really interested in the km rating as much as, the quality vs price difference. Basically don't want to overpay for something which would be overkill. The truck is stock and don't drive it hard or that often.

So what would you buy, the lower grade or more expensive higher grade?

Also would the Classic Parts suspension components be similar to Napa lower grade, the price seems to indicate so?

Thanks.

[63chevyll]

i buy from napa all the time,

their best stuff is DANA product in most cases and its is worth the money. I know guys who only run the dana parts in their stock off road racing classes

Moog parts are also real good.

IMO, i would only put whats as good or better than factory parts and thats Dana and Moog

[basemodel67]

I don't think you will ever regret spending a couple extra dollars and ending up with a quality part versus finding out the hard way why the off-brand parts were so much cheaper.

A ball joint coming apart can ruin your day...
And a pair of underwear!

[72truckster]

Thanks for the replies, I was just taken back a little when I was looking in the classic parts catalogue at control arm shaft and bushings for $25. And then asked the Napa guy how much their higher grade was; $84. Granted it is Canada and everything is more here. So its almost 3x more $$. So im not trying to save 5 or 10 buck here or there. But I will price out both levels maybe the other parts are closer in price.

[Wrenchbender Ret]

I put some of the economy parts on a late model truck & less then a year they were all wallered out worse then the original. I agree. Use Moog or Dana. You might shop around a little & maybe get a store to work with you. There are a bunch of prices on this stuff. List is way off the wall. Then they have the walk in price. There are about 2 more for shops depending on if you are a stocking customer.

[usmcchevy]

I'll second don't go cheap, I had a tie rod all but off after 10 months and 10k.
Look around a bit though, MOOG control arm shafts are $45+10 for bushings here.

http://www.northernautoparts.com/ECa...86&Submodel=20

[turp mcspray]

I tried several brands of ball joints in my 4x4. None would last more than 6 months. Then tried a set of Spicer (oem Dana) and they are still tight 10 years later. I have found that whenever you have a choice, whether it is suspension, body, or otherwise, always go with the higher quality.