when i use to rebuild for work. i think there is over 10 lcas here. all with outer shells. maybe i just for lucky that they all have outer shells.

 

Found a pic!



As you can see with the older arms, the bushing style is different as well.

 

those are not OEM bushings. that arm been replaced before with JUNK bushings where it is required to press out the outer sleeves.

 

I've seen several that have the same style bushing so I don't think they're replacements.

 

i am 100% sure those are replacements.

 

it looks like a replacement. Jennie, I would seriously consider going with new arms.
I had no bad ball joints, and I replaced my bushings with the pro-thane and I think they feel alright and all but its not just as factory supra arms would be with new balljoints, and I always worry about those ball joints failing now since these bushings are stiffer and will likely last much longer than the old balljoints.

since you had one fail and questionable bushings, new arms are the best long term way to go as likely your other ball joint is not far behind.
Also in retrospect, the amount of work it takes to burn/press out the old bushings in hindsight to me was not worth the money saved, let alone new balljoints or now. I can still smell that burning rubber smell, its horrible. at least you won't have to mess with the original bushing it looks like that ones popping out already.

 

Those are definitely replacement bushings. Stock bushings don't touch the edge all the way around when installed.

k7q is right about the outer diameter being the same on all year LCA.

 

Hello all,
I've got a 99 SC-300 (136k miles) with a bad LCA ball-joint and I want to replace both LCA's. OEM's are stupid expensive so it's definitely worth looking into replacing them with Supra LCA's, but I'm hearing conflicting info. on various forums as to whether or not the 93-98 Supra LCA's will fit a 96-00 SC-300 without any modifications (YES or NO?).
If they do fit, are there any negative side-effects such as not being able to align the wheels properly afterwards, high vibrations at any speed intervals, etc.?
I'm not interested in changing the bushings as this will have no effect on the actual problem (bad ball-joint). This thread seems to show measurement differences between an SC-300 LCA and a Supra LCA, but I'm not sure whether this is due to the modifications he's done (attempting to change the stock bushings), or whether the parts are indeed different.
Computer parts software programs for both my mechanic, and a friend who is an insurance claims adjuster, show no after-market LCA's and no compatible Supra parts for these LCA's. This may be due to other factors besides the fitment of the actual part however (such as tolerances or bushing material), so I'm trying to find out whether they are indeed compatible before I pony up the dough. Also, if anyone has photos of Supra LCA's installed on an SC, I'd love to see them (and so would a LOT of other people who don't want to spend $800 on a ball joint).

Parts info:

96-00 SC-300 LCA's =
RF - 48068-29215
LF - 48069-29215
($834.42 EA) -Seriously, WTF!?

97-98 Supra LCA's =
RF - 48068-14090
LF - 48069-14090
($563.17 EA) - A little better

93-96 Supra LCA's =
RF - 48068-14080
LF - 48069-14080
($352.43 EA) - Waaaaay better

 

48068-14080 ARM, SUSPENSION LWR RH $282.90
Is what I paid for that arm, the other arm was the same price -

You can easily find them cheaper than the price listed in your post..

I'm uncertain what taking a picture of supra LCAs installed on a SC would do to help you.
they look identical.
You wouldn't know the difference. There is no modifications necessary what so ever to install them. no fitment issues, no clearance issues, etc.

I purchased my arms from Toyolex Parts.

 

Confirmed, with pics and feedback, the Supra LCA's will fit a Lexus SC. Here's the thread.

@Soarer93:

I've read conflicting info on various forums as to whether or not they would fit, and there are other considerations besides whether they would fit. It's best to get solid proof before spending that much money based only on the forum posts of total strangers. Better to pay due diligence up-front than regret taking the risk later. Anyway, moot point. My worries were for nothing.