26 replies to this topic

[Ron Alan]

I'm pretty sure the spindles and upper control arms are the same between '99 and VVT. 

You would be wrong...

[Steve Scheifler]

There are at least three generations of the lower-front arms. The original ones on the 1.6 have the largest holes on the underside and no internal bracing. The next generation has smaller holes and a single V-brace running through the inside. For the current version they replaced the V-brace with a full sized plate sandwiched in the middle. That's what you get today if you order for any of the model years. Each version has been heavier than the prior, but probably so it can be stronger to handle the added car weight and cornering loads. Some of the other parts have gone though similar strengthening evolution.

[Dave D.]

Nope,just looked it up................according to Mazda, with ABS #N068-34-250 for BOTH 1999 and 2002. There might be multiple part numbers for each year, but that has to do with different options there may have been. All it takes is for a little tab to be added to an arm and it would have a different part number. I delt with this when I worked as a GM Dealer Tech. Two parts might be mechanically interchangeable, but have different part numbers.

[Ron Alan]

Well...From factory, off parts cars, you cant interchange front upper control arms between 99/00 and 01+ cars. Ball joints are different...which would also mean spindle is different.

[Dave D.]

I have them laid out on the floor right now..............1999,2001 and 2002 spindles and upper control arms. I say they are interchangeable as the forge marks on the spindle are identical, the taper and depth of the ball joints and bore are the same. Unless a Mazda engineer can confirm some odd dimensional difference I can't see where the differences are.

[MPR22]

How could I possibly value the opinion of someone who squanders their time in Rome (ROME!!!) to read this crap?

Maybe he enjoys racing than traveling.  

[FTodaro]

I have them laid out on the floor right now..............1999,2001 and 2002 spindles and upper control arms. I say they are interchangeable as the forge marks on the spindle are identical, the taper and depth of the ball joints and bore are the same. Unless a Mazda engineer can confirm some odd dimensional difference I can't see where the differences are.

My experience is that the upper control arm from My 99 would not swap out with the 01 the Upper ball joint stem was longer in the 01 so the spindle and the upper ball joint were different. can't speak to what Mark said about the other control arms but i would say he has built plenty of cars and should know.