Replacing control arms

[a4937]

I went to get an alignment done and they couldn't do it because one of my upper ball joints needs replaced. I've been looking around some and I am wondering if I should bite the bullet and buy the whole control arm kit or just the kit with the uppers. Is it common for the front lowers to go bad as well?

[djwimbo]

Most common of the lowers is the rear.

I wouldn't bite the bullet just yet. I think I did a pair of Febi uppers for ~$110 w/ pinch bolt, but that was my cost.

[a4937]

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to go ahead and order the front uppers set. Wasn't really too keen on spending $300 "not counting labor" right before the holidays.