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So I bought a new control arm, and got one in the mail. Quick question though, the ball joint is extremely difficult to move, but I can wiggle the part in the bushings with my hand, is that normal? Or should that be solid? Sorry if that's a stupid question.
I'll probably end up going that route. This car has gone through a total of 6 upper control arms including the 2 original ones, 4 of which were on the right side. I'm selling the car so I didn't want to spend $250 again on Napa arms
DO NOT use dorman brand upper control arms. Absolute junk. Unless you enjoy changing them monthly, then by all means use them. I'd go with Moog as well. They make excellent stuff. All their parts are torture tested and have an excellent warranty.
To answer your questions, the ball joint being hard to move is normal, the sleeves in your bushings moving is normal. The part that is moving is an 'anti crush' sleeve. It should slide freely back and forth in the rubber bushing.