Maybe this is a stupid question...

I see a lot of tubular style LCAs for the 86 that have a different type of lower ball joint than factory and I wonder if they're even serviceable or if you have to replace the whole part if it eventually wears out.

http://forums.club4ag.com/zerothread?id=100024

For instance, this Cusco model in the link, is the ball joint or whatever it is called that mounts onto the steering knuckle replaceable? Maybe this is a stupid question because maybe all joints are serviceable but I need to make sure before I consider LCA options. I called Cusco USA and the guy wasn't for certain, he assumed that all joints are serviceable so it must be replaceable but I feel like I've heard otherwise at times about certain types of joints so I figured I'd ask on here. I hope someone can shed some technical light on this subject since my internet quest for knowledge has not been fruitful.

It's basically a heim joint so it would need to be replaced when it wears out. There's also no rubber boot/cover to keep dirt and moisture out so it's reasonable to assume that it might not last as long as a standard booted/greased ball joint.

I had a set of the cusco arms and the ball joint is replaceable. It's a simple c clip that holds it in place from underneath. I assume replacements can be supplied by Cusco, but they're probably pricey (I never checked fwiw). Member name Yosuke might know.

Regarding other arms with the same style joints.... almost anything can be replaced or serviced; it's just a matter of how resourceful one is and/or how much money one wants to spend - all assuming the oem isn't helpful.

The set of Cusco control arms that you had with the replaceable ball joint, which ones were they, 116 462 A or 116 462 C? Model 116 462 A is a factory style lower control arm that's modified with a Cusco pillowball. Model 116 462 C is what I assume you're referring to as being basically a heim joint with no rubber boot and would need to be replaced when it wears out. I just need to clarify since your Cusco control arms had replaceable ball joints? So they weren't the tubular style ones in my link?

Sorry about the confusion, I really just need to confirm that the tubular control arms pictured in my link can be fully serviced.

I had 116 462 C which is the full tube control arm as shown in the link above.

Thank you very much for the help, that answers everything. Now I see exactly what you were saying before.