2 Review: Is This Ram 1500 Upper Control Arm Worth It? Pros & Cons

Upgrading your truck’s suspension can be a minefield of expensive options. When I decided to lift my rig, finding a budget-friendly ram 1500 upper control arm became a top priority. The “2” brand offers a specific solution designed for the 2009-2018 models and the newer Classic 4WD versions.

2 Review: Is This Ram 1500 Upper Control Arm Worth It? Pros & Cons

Priced at just $79.99, these tubular black arms aim to replace weak OEM components while supporting a 2-4 inch lift. Despite a modest 3.5-star rating from 25 reviews, the promise of improved pipe angles and better stability caught my eye. In this review, I’ll explore whether these parts truly deliver on their performance claims.

Section 1: Overview of the 2-4″ Ram 1500 Lift Kit

The “2” upper control arms serve as a direct replacement for factory parts, designed specifically for those of us running a leveling or lift kit. In my analysis, I found they are perfectly compatible with both the 2009-2018 Ram 1500 4WD and the 2019-2024 Classic 4WD models. What makes this ram 1500 upper control arm stand out is its ability to accommodate a 2-inch lift without requiring new shock absorbers, which is a major win for budget-conscious builders who want a better stance without a full suspension overhaul.

Section 2: Key Features: TIG Welding and Tubular Design

Robust Tubular Construction

The larger tubular design immediately feels more substantial than the thin factory stamped steel. This extra girth provides the stability needed when navigating rougher terrain, ensuring the ram 1500 upper control arm doesn’t flex under pressure.

Professional TIG Welding

I was impressed by the TIG welding technology used on these units. It creates a cleaner, stronger bond than standard MIG welds, making the arms more durable and stable than the original factory parts for a higher level of safety.

Pre-Installed Ball Joints

These arms come with ball joints that require no additional grease, which is a huge convenience. I found that you can install them directly out of the box, saving significant time and mess during the assembly process.

All-Weather Rubber Bushings

The high-quality rubber bushings are designed for superior durability in low-temperature conditions. This is essential for drivers in colder climates where standard bushings might crack or squeak prematurely.

Section 3: Pros and Cons: A Detailed Look

Evaluating a product with a 3.5-star rating requires a balanced look at its strengths and weaknesses. Here is what I discovered during my review of the ram 1500 upper control arm:

• ✅ Highly affordable price point at $79.99.
• ✅ Precise fitment for Ram 1500 and Classic models.
• ✅ Enhanced pipe angle prevents ball joint binding on lifted trucks.
• ✅ Fully compatible with stock wheel setups.
• ✅ Durable matte black powder coating resists corrosion.
• ✅ 30-day refund policy and 12-month ball joint warranty.

• ❌ 3.5-star average suggests some quality control variance between batches.
• ❌ Ball joints are non-serviceable and may wear faster than premium brands.
• ❌ Installation instructions can be sparse for beginners.

Section 4: Real-World Performance on Street and Off-Road

Daily Commuting and Highway Stability

When I tested these on my leveled 2016 Ram, the first thing I noticed was the improved steering response. On the highway, the truck felt planted, and that nervous “wandering” feeling common with stock arms on a 2.5-inch lift was significantly reduced. The steering felt heavier in a good way, providing more centered feedback during high-speed lane changes.

Moderate Trail Performance

During a weekend run on some gravel fire roads, the tubular construction held up well. I pushed the articulation on some light ruts, and the ball joints didn’t bind or pop. However, on harsher washboard sections, I did notice a slight increase in road vibration compared to the soft factory rubber bushings, though it wasn’t a dealbreaker.

Heavy Hauling and Towing

While hauling a 4,500lb boat, the arms provided a sense of rigidity that inspired confidence. The geometry stayed consistent even when the front end lightened up slightly under load. For a budget component, the stability they offer during weight transfer is impressive.

Section 5: Who Should Buy These Upper Control Arms?

• The Budget-Conscious Builder: If you are working with a strict budget but need to correct your ball joint angles after a 2-3 inch level, these are an unbeatable value at $79.99.
• The “Classic” Body Owner: Specifically designed for the 2009-2018 (and 2019-2024 Classic) frames, these are a direct-fit solution for older chassis designs.
• The Light-Duty Adventurer: Ideal for those who use their truck for camping, fishing, or light trails rather than extreme rock crawling.

Who should NOT buy: Professional off-roaders or those who frequently jump their trucks. If you require uniball joints for maximum travel, these ball-joint style arms will limit you.

Section 6: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need an alignment after installing a ram 1500 upper control arm?

Yes, any time you alter suspension components, a professional alignment is necessary to prevent uneven tire wear and ensure the truck tracks straight.

Are the ball joints in this ram 1500 upper control arm greaseable?

Yes, these units feature zerk fittings. I highly recommend greasing them immediately after installation and then every 5,000 miles to maximize their lifespan.

Will these fit a 2022 Ram 1500 New Body Style (DT)?

No, these are strictly for the DS (Classic) body style. The 5th generation New Body style uses different suspension geometry and mounting points.

Do I need to buy separate ball joints?

No, this kit comes with the ball joints pre-installed, which makes the installation process much faster for the home mechanic.

How much lift can these handle?

These are optimized for 2 to 4 inches of lift. Using them on a stock-height truck may actually cause negative camber issues that are difficult to align.

Is a tubular ram 1500 upper control arm stronger than stock?

Generally, yes. The tubular steel construction is more resistant to bending than the factory stamped-steel arms, especially under the stress of larger tires.

Section 7: Final Verdict: Are They Worth the $79.99?

With a solid 3.5-star rating, these control arms are a fantastic entry-level upgrade. They effectively solve the dreaded ball joint angle issues caused by leveling kits for a fraction of the cost of “name brand” alternatives. While the finish may not be show-quality, the functionality is there for the average driver. If you need a reliable ram 1500 upper control arm to save your tires and improve handling, these are a worthy investment. Pick up a set today and fix your suspension geometry for good!