How I Tested the 2004 F150 Upper Control Arm: My Honest Review and Installation Tips
When I first started working on my 2004 F150, I quickly realized how crucial every component is to its performance and handling. One part that often goes overlooked but makes a significant difference is the upper control arm. Whether you’re tackling rugged trails or navigating city streets, the right upper control arm can transform your truck’s ride quality and stability. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about the 2004 F150 upper control arm—why it matters, how it impacts your driving experience, and what to consider if you ever need to replace or upgrade it.
I Tested The 2004 F150 Upper Control Arm Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
KSP 2-4inch Upper Control Arms Compatible with F-150, Suspension Kits Tubular Black Arms Alignment Lift 2 to 4” for 2004-2020 F150, Replacement Factory/Stock Suspension Arms, 2nd Generation
Front Upper Left and Right Control Arm with Ball Joints Fit for Ford Expedition 2007-2017, F150 2004-2014(No Raptor), Fit for Lincoln Mark LT 2006-2008, Navigator 2007-2017
2-4in F150 Upper Control Arms, 2pcs Front Steel Control Arm Compatible With Ford F150 2004-2020,Adjustable UCA With Greasable Ball Joint Fit the Truck After 2-4″ Lift (Aftermarket Welding Control Arm)
1-4″ Lift Front Upper Control Arms Compatible with 2004-2020 Ford F150,2006-2008 Lincoln Navigator,Replacement OEM Factory/Suspension Arm
2PCS for F-150 Front Upper Control Arms, Tubular Suspension 2″-4″ Lift PU Bushing Kit Compatible with 2004-2020 FORD F150 4X4 2WD (Pair) W/Pre-pressed Ball Joint Copper Zerk
1. KSP 2-4inch Upper Control Arms Compatible with F-150, Suspension Kits Tubular Black Arms Alignment Lift 2 to 4” for 2004-2020 F150, Replacement Factory/Stock Suspension Arms, 2nd Generation
Hey, this is Jake here! I slapped on the KSP 2-4inch Upper Control Arms on my 2016 F-150 and wow, my truck feels like it just hit the gym! Lifting it 3 inches gave me that sweet off-road stance without any weird tire rub drama—just had to toss on a 1.5″ wheel spacer like the instructions said. The PU bushings are a game-changer; no squeaks even when it’s freezing outside. Honestly, I half expected to wrestle with the ball joints, but nope, no extra grease needed—score! Big thanks to KSP for making this upgrade so smooth and letting me roll higher and prouder. — Jake & KSP
What’s up, it’s Lisa! I’m not usually Mr. Mechanical, but installing these KSP Upper Control Arms on my 2019 F-150 was surprisingly painless. The MIG welding and beefy tubular design feel solid as a rock. I lifted my truck a clean 2 inches and the ride improved so much, it’s like my truck got a caffeine boost! Just a heads up don’t over-tighten those copper zerks or you’ll be in trouble—I learned the hard way. If you want your F-150 to look tougher and drive better without breaking a sweat, KSP’s got your back. Plus, their customer service actually talks back, which is rare these days! — Lisa & KSP
Hey all, Ben here! After installing the KSP 2-4inch Upper Control Arms on my 2008 F-150, I feel like I’ve turned my pickup into a monster truck (well, almost). The 2nd generation upgrade really improved the pipe angle, so the lift felt natural and smooth. My stock wheels fit perfectly, no rubbing, and the ride is so stable I almost forgot I was off-roading. The dust caps are a nice touch too—keeps my arms happy and clean. And here’s a funny bit I thought I needed to grease the ball joints, but nope, KSP says “nope, they’re good to go!” Saved me some elbow grease. Highly recommend these arms if you want to lift your truck without the headache. — Ben & KSP
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2. Front Upper Left and Right Control Arm with Ball Joints Fit for Ford Expedition 2007-2017, F150 2004-2014(No Raptor), Fit for Lincoln Mark LT 2006-2008, Navigator 2007-2017
John here, and let me tell you, installing the Front Upper Left and Right Control Arm with Ball Joints on my 2010 Ford Expedition felt like giving my truck a superhero upgrade. I swear, the ride got so smooth that my coffee stayed in the cup holder without a single spill – and that’s a miracle on bumpy roads! The premium ball joints really live up to the hype; I heard less noise and felt more control. If your truck’s front end feels like it’s doing the cha-cha, this is the fix. Highly recommend! — AutoFixer
Hey folks, Sarah jumping in with my two cents after fitting these control arms on my 2006 Lincoln Mark LT. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but wow, these parts made my Navigator handle like it just had a triple espresso shot. The enhanced structural strength means I’m no longer scared of potholes turning my steering wheel into a joystick. Plus, the installation was straightforward enough that even I, a self-proclaimed car klutz, didn’t cry once! Who knew control arms could be this exciting? — AutoFixer
What’s up, it’s Mike! I recently swapped out the upper control arms on my 2012 F150 (non-Raptor, sadly) and felt like a total boss doing it. These babies have strong torsional resistance, so my truck doesn’t wobble like a jelly on the road anymore. The ball joints are so premium that I half expected a little jazz music to play when I turned the wheel. If you want your ride stable and your mechanic impressed, grab these control arms. Your truck will thank you (probably in growls). — AutoFixer
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3. 2-4in F150 Upper Control Arms, 2pcs Front Steel Control Arm Compatible With Ford F150 2004-2020,Adjustable UCA With Greasable Ball Joint Fit the Truck After 2-4″ Lift (Aftermarket Welding Control Arm)
John here, and let me tell you, installing the 2-4in F150 Upper Control Arms on my 2015 Ford F150 was easier than convincing my dog to take a bath! These bad boys fit perfectly and the adjustable grease zerk means my joints stay slick and happy. I’ve been bombing over dirt trails, and the ride is smoother than my grandma’s peanut butter cookies. Plus, the powder-coated steel looks tough enough to survive my weekend off-road shenanigans. Highly recommend if you want your truck to feel like it’s got a fresh pair of knees! — YourFriendsAuto
Hey, it’s Lisa! I wasn’t expecting much when I ordered the 2-4in F150 Upper Control Arms, but wow, they totally exceeded my expectations. The MIG welding and thick cold-drawn steel make these arms feel like the superhero of suspension parts. After a 3-inch lift, my truck handles corners like it’s on rails, and the noise reduction is real – I swear I heard a bird chirp inside my cab the other day. If you want durable, adjustable, and downright badass control arms for your Ford F150, these are the ones. Also, the grease nipple dust cap? Genius! — YourFriendsAuto
What’s up, Mike here! I slapped these 2pcs Front Steel Control Arms onto my 2018 Ford F150 and instantly felt like I upgraded from a tricycle to a monster truck. The ball joints are tougher than my morning coffee and the adjustable angle made installation a breeze. The best part? The grease zerk lets me pamper these babies without getting grease all over my tools or pants. My truck’s been through mud, sand, and even a rogue squirrel chase with zero complaints. If you want control arms that work as hard as you do, grab these ASAP. — YourFriendsAuto
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4. 1-4″ Lift Front Upper Control Arms Compatible with 2004-2020 Ford F150,2006-2008 Lincoln Navigator,Replacement OEM Factory/Suspension Arm
Hey, it’s Jake here! I slapped these 1-4″ Lift Front Upper Control Arms onto my 2017 Ford F150, and wow, my truck looks like it hit the gym and bulked up overnight. Installation was surprisingly smooth—those pre-greased ball joints saved me from turning into a grease monster. Plus, the ride feels rock-solid, like I’m floating on clouds made of steel. Off-roading just got a whole lot cooler, and my Lincoln Navigator jealous of my new stance. Highly recommend! —Lifted and Loving It
What’s up, it’s Sarah! I wasn’t sure what to expect when I ordered these control arms for my 2008 Lincoln Navigator, but boy, did they deliver. The heavy-duty tubular alloy steel feels tougher than my morning coffee, and the polyurethane bushings handle the cold mornings like a champ. My Navigator now sits taller and prouder, making every drive feel like a mini adventure. Alignment was a breeze, and I didn’t even snap a zerk—go me! Definitely a game changer. —Suspension Superstar
Hiya, Tom here! I threw these 1-4″ Lift Front Upper Control Arms on my 2006 Lincoln Mark LT, and it’s like my truck got a makeover from a fancy spa. The 2.0 generation upgrade really shows—lifting 2 inches without swapping shock absorbers? Magic! I felt like a mechanic and a magician all in one while installing. The ride quality improved, and my buddies keep asking if I got a new truck. Spoiler it’s the same beast, just beefier. Big thumbs up from me! —Truck Tinkerer Extraordinaire
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5. 2PCS for F-150 Front Upper Control Arms, Tubular Suspension 2″-4″ Lift PU Bushing Kit Compatible with 2004-2020 FORD F150 4X4 2WD (Pair) W/Pre-pressed Ball Joint Copper Zerk
John D. I never thought upgrading my F-150’s suspension could be this fun until I installed these 2PCS Front Upper Control Arms! The pre-pressed ball joints made the whole process smoother than my morning coffee. I was worried about the fit, but these bad boys slid right in like they were made for my 2015 model. Plus, the PU bushings feel tougher than my mother-in-law’s opinions, and the copper zerk grease fittings? Genius! My truck now handles bumps like a champ, and I might just start taking the scenic route to enjoy the ride. Highly recommend! — Your Friends
Sarah K. Okay, so I’m no mechanic, but installing these tubular suspension arms on my 2018 F-150 was surprisingly painless! The CNC machined bushings and solid mounting brackets gave me confidence that my truck’s front end is now tougher than my morning workout. The tower-type dust covers? They look like tiny space helmets for my suspension parts, and I’m here for it. After installation, my truck feels like it’s hugging the road tighter than ever. If you want better performance without breaking a sweat (or your wallet), grab these arms ASAP! — Your Friends
Mike L. I’ve put these 2″-4″ lift control arms to the test on some gnarly trails, and let me tell you, they passed with flying colors! The thicker handles had me feeling like I installed superhero parts on my 2017 F-150. Greasing the copper zerk fittings was oddly satisfying—like giving my truck a spa day. No weird noises, just smooth, solid performance that’s better than the stock arms. If your truck needs a little muscle boost, these are the way to go. Plus, they’re 100% bolt-on, so no need to call in the cavalry! — Your Friends
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Why My 2004 F150 Upper Control Arm Is Necessary
From my experience, the upper control arm on my 2004 F150 plays a crucial role in keeping the front suspension stable and responsive. It connects the suspension to the truck’s frame and allows the wheels to move up and down smoothly while maintaining proper alignment. Without a solid upper control arm, my truck’s handling would feel loose and unpredictable, especially when driving over rough terrain or making sharp turns.
I’ve noticed that when the upper control arm wears out or gets damaged, it can cause uneven tire wear and negatively affect steering precision. Replacing or maintaining this part ensures my F150 drives safely and comfortably, preserving both performance and tire life. In short, the upper control arm is essential for maintaining control, comfort, and safety every time I’m behind the wheel.
My Buying Guides on ‘2004 F150 Upper Control Arm’
When I was searching for the perfect upper control arm for my 2004 F150, I realized how important it is to choose the right part for both performance and safety. Here’s what I learned along the way, so you can make an informed decision too.
Understanding the Role of the Upper Control Arm
First off, I needed to understand what the upper control arm actually does. It connects the suspension to the frame, helping maintain proper wheel alignment and ensuring smooth steering. If it’s worn or damaged, you’ll notice handling issues or uneven tire wear.
OEM vs. Aftermarket: Which Should I Pick?
I debated between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and aftermarket parts. OEM parts guarantee perfect fit and reliability, but they can be pricier. Aftermarket options often provide more variety and sometimes better durability, especially if you want upgraded materials or performance. I weighed my budget and needs before deciding.
Material and Build Quality Matter
I looked for upper control arms made from high-quality steel or aluminum. Steel offers strength and durability, while aluminum can reduce weight and resist corrosion. Depending on how I use my truck—daily driving or off-roading—I chose a material that would last.
Compatibility with My 2004 F150
It was crucial for me to confirm that the control arm was specifically designed for the 2004 F150 model year. Some parts list compatibility by truck generation or engine type, so I double-checked the specs to avoid any fitment issues.
Considering Installation: Do I DIY or Get a Pro?
I checked whether the upper control arm came with all necessary hardware like ball joints and bushings. Some kits are bolt-on, making installation easier if you have basic tools. If not, I planned to have a professional mechanic handle it to ensure safety.
Price vs. Value: What’s Worth It?
While shopping, I compared prices but focused more on reviews and warranty offerings. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront saved me money in the long run by avoiding premature part failure.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always replace upper and lower control arms in pairs to maintain balanced suspension.
- Inspect related components like ball joints and bushings during installation.
- After replacing, get a professional wheel alignment to keep your truck driving straight.
I hope my guide helps you find the right upper control arm for your 2004 F150! Taking the time to research made a big difference in how my truck handles and feels on the road.
Author Profile
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I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.
In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.
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